by Debbie White
“We were waiting until we could tell Jack’s folks and Grandmother and Auntie. They come over Christmas Eve.”
“Does Mary know?”
Annie smirked. “I swear, that girl knew before I did.”
“She has that uncanny skill, right?” Vicky laughed.
“We have some good news, too.” Scott said, stepping in close to them all. Vicky urged him to tell by nodding. “We are adopting another child, a little boy from Korea.”
“Oh, guys, that’s so wonderful! Jasmine will have a sister.” Annie’s eyes welled. “Sorry—hormones,” she said, wiping the tears away.
“Ashton will be a big brother, and Jasmine will be a big sister,” Vicky said, crying now, too.
“And they’ll be the best of friends. Because, there’s nothing sweeter than sharing iced tea, backyard barbecues, and bonfires with good friends. Everything is sweeter in Carolina.”
“Everything is sweeter in Carolina,” they echoed as they clasped hands and looked up to the brightly shining stars overhead.
Chapter Twenty-Two
After the Christmas Eve dinner, consisting of mostly heavy appetizers, the family settled into various comfy chairs, sofas, and even the floor. A few remained seated at the dining room table. The house didn’t seem quite so large when everyone came over.
Crystal and Ashton played tag, running all through the house, laughing with the two dogs on their butts. Grandmother and Auntie were in deep discussion with Jack’s grandparents. The only people who seemed to be a bit bored were Susan and Preston Powell, Danny’s folks. Annie sighed as she watched Mary trying her hardest to be the thoughtful daughter-in-law and engage them in conversation. Annie wanted to go over and gently smack Susan on the shoulder and tell her to lighten up, but it wouldn’t do any good.
Jack started the fire and sat down on the hearth. His eyes rested on Annie’s, giving her a nod it was time.
She smiled back at him, letting him know she understood. She beckoned him to join her by curling her index finger toward him. “Everyone, I have an announcement.” She laced her arm with Jack’s.
Grandmother tapped her cane a few times to get everyone to stop talking. “Annie has a special announcement to make.” Lilly screwed up her face as she locked eyes with Annie. “Please, child, hurry up and tell us what we already know.”
Annie widened her eyes and then shot Mary a look, letting her know that she had something coming to her for letting out the secret. Mary shook her head and mouthed, “I didn’t say anything.”
Annie knitted her brows. “Tell you what you already know? What is it that everyone knows before I tell them, Grandmother?” Annie decided to play along to get Grandmother’s goat.
Grandmother cleared her throat. “You’ve been really tired lately. You cry at the drop of a hat, and let’s see, I think you’ve gained a few pounds.” Her eyes settled on Annie’s belly.
Annie straightened her posture. “Grandmother Lilly, nothing can get by you, can it?”
“Nope, and don’t even try. When’s the baby due?”
“Baby!” Milly said, jumping up and almost dumping poor Ashton to the ground.
“Dear Lord, Milly, where’ve you been?” Grandmother furrowed her brows.
“I didn’t catch it, but now I get it. You’re having another baby.” Milly ran over to Jack and hugged him, then made her way to Annie.
After the commotion of the announcement drifted back to normalcy, everyone started handing out suggestions for baby names. Grandmother Cora felt her mother’s name would be suitable if it was a girl, and Polly offered a male version of Robert—Roberta.
Milly held her hand up in protest. “Nope, I got it. Jacanna.”
The entire group at once yelled, “Jacanna?”
Milly heaved her shoulders up and down. “You know. Jac … anna,” she said enunciating each syllable, to clearly show it was part of Jack’s and Annie’s names.
Grandmother didn’t hold back. “That’s the most ridiculous name I’ve ever heard. They are most certainly not going to name her that.”
Annie bit down on her lip. Things were beginning to heat up.
Jack wrapped his arm around Annie, pulling her close. “Should we let them know we already picked out a name?”
“No.”
Jack pursed his lips. “I thought we settled on Carolina?” he whispered.
Annie’s eyes twinkled as she lovingly smiled at him. “We did, but if we tell them the name, then they’ll know we’re having a girl. And I want to wrap this Christmas Eve celebration up.” Annie cracked a smile, while playfully nudging him.
Jack tossed his head back and roared with laughter. “I see you’ve met my family, huh?” He leaned in and kissed her. “I love you, Mrs. Powell.”
“Love you more,” she said, holding him with one arm, while resting her other hand on her belly. “And, just so you know, I adore your family.”
Jack’s eyes moved from one set of couples to another as he watched them decipher the news. It was traveling through the crowd like wild fire. “We have a great family. They’re not perfect, but when the chips are down, they come out in full force. That’s what families do.”
Annie nodded. “I’m so thankful to have them all in Ashton’s and soon, Carolina’s life.”
“Oh, look, Grandmother is calling for me. I think they’re ready to go home.” Jack pulled away from Annie and headed over to both Lilly and Patty.
Snuggled in the crux of his arm, Annie closed her eyes and listened to the sounds the dark house made at night—the occasional thumping of ice being made in the freezer, the humming of the heater as it began to wind up. She could hear the trees softly swaying in the December night breeze, along with an occasional hoot from a nearby owl. And if she listened really hard, she could hear sounds of little marsh birds and insects, which seemed to be the most vocal at night. And soon, with the contentment of being in the arms of the man she loved, Annie drifted off to sleep.
Afterword
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
I hope you enjoyed the third and final installment of the Charleston Harbor Novels. So many readers have expressed their love for Annie and Jack and their quirky families. If you enjoyed reading them, please take a moment and leave a review from whichever retailer you purchased the book from. Thanks again for taking the time and spending your money on purchasing one of my books. With so many to choose from, I’m honored you chose mine.
About the Author
Debbie currently lives in northern California with her husband and two rescue dachshunds, Dash and Briar.
When Debbie isn’t writing or traveling to a book signing, she’s visiting her family on the east coast, or traveling to other places on her bucket list. She enjoys hiking with her husband and riding on the back of their motorcycle.
An avid animal lover, Debbie donates a portion of her proceeds to animal rescue organizations. When you purchase one of her books, you’re also helping a furry pet with shelter, food, and ultimately a new home!
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