Sweet Carolina Read online

“They’ve tried. It seems that being in the military is not something favorable in the adoption agencies’ eyes.”

  “That’s crazy. They should be so happy to have a very patriotic American loving family, who has so much love to offer. They should be so lucky to find a better placement for an adoptee.”

  “I told her as much, and to not give up.”

  “What’s on your agenda for tomorrow?” Jack asked, snuggling with Annie.

  “Well, it’s Sunday, and I’m officially off, but I thought maybe I’d drive into town and check in on the bakery. We’re in full swing for the holidays, now.”

  “You need to take your days off, Annie. We’ve talked about this before. Why hire staff if you won’t let them work without being micromanaged?”

  “I’m not micromanaging. I’m just …”

  Jack pursed his mouth and knitted his brows.

  “Okay. I’m micromanaging.”

  “So, I say we lounge around in our pajamas, while sipping hot chocolate and watching old movies.” Jack pulled her over on top of him. Her hair hung down, tickling his face. He reached up and tucked it behind her ears.

  Annie leaned down, finding his warm and very inviting mouth. They kissed passionately, both realizing it’d been a while. Having a baby could sometimes change the pattern of romance. He ran his hands up and down her back, holding her tightly while kissing her. She let out a soft moan as he rolled her off. She ran her hands up and down his arms as he stared at her hungrily. Just as he made his next move, Ashton wailed.

  Annie bolted straight up. “Ashton!”

  “Wait a second, let’s see if he goes back to sleep,” Jack said through labored breathing.

  She dropped back down and gazed at Jack. He leaned over and resumed his kisses. Suddenly, she held up her hands against his chest. “I’m sorry. I just have to check on him.”

  Jack rolled over onto his back and stared at the ceiling. Annie climbed out of bed and dashed down the hallway. She peeked into the room. Ashton had fallen back to sleep. Annie smiled as she quietly walked back to their bedroom. Jack’s hands rested behind his head on the pillow.

  “Everything all right?” he said, making eye contact with Annie.

  “Sound asleep, just like you said. I’m sorry,” she said, climbing back onto the bed next to him. She snuggled under his arm.

  Jack slid his arm around her and held her tightly. “We have to make sure we keep our romance alive, Annie. It’s very important. I know it’s an adjustment, and I’m willing to wait, but I have needs, too.”

  Annie turned her head and studied his face. She reached up and gently stroked his face. He turned toward her, his eyes almost begging for her. “No need to wait, Jack. I love you. You are my world. Without you, there’d be no Ashton. I’ll always have time for you.” She found his mouth and kissed him deeply, teasing him with her tongue.

  He slid out his other arm and pulled her in. “I love you, Annie,” he said, devouring her mouth.

  “More hot chocolate is coming up,” Annie called from the kitchen.

  “Okay, hurry. The movie is about to start,” he said.

  Annie could hear Ashton babbling in the background. She fixed the hot cocoa, plated the gooey cinnamon rolls, and headed to the living room where the three of them would enjoy a lazy Sunday. Nothing could be more perfect. Annie laid the tray on the coffee table, and with both hands on her hips, smiled at her two guys cuddled on the couch. “Make room for Momma,” she said, squeezing in.

  Jack bounced Ashton in the air. He laughed as he came down into Jack’s hands. The flames danced in the fireplace, and both Isla and Buffy lay tangled on their big fluffy bed, enjoying the warmth of the fire.

  Annie brought the cup to her lips and blew on it. “This was a great idea,” she said, smiling at the two of them.

  “I do have a few good ideas now and then,” he said, smiling back.

  “And some good moves, too.” She smiled when she recalled them together the night before.

  Jack winked. He pounded his chest with the palm of his hand. “You Jane, me Tarzan.”

  Annie leaned forward and placed the cup on the table, picking up her phone. She turned toward Jack. “And in exactly three hours, when this little guy takes his nap, you can show me your Tarzan moves.” She pulled in her bottom lip.

  Jack patted her on the leg. “Now, that’s what I’m talking about. The romance department is alive and well.” He pulled her down and kissed her with Ashton right in the middle.

  Ashton playfully waved his hands all around and reeled his head back and laughed. Soon Jack and Annie were laughing, too.

  Chapter Four

  Now that they were parents, Annie looked forward to her favorite season, fall, and all the holidays. Thanksgiving followed Halloween and then would come Christmas. It was also one of the busiest times of the year for the bakery.

  Trying to remain the strong and independent businesswoman she’d become, Annie juggled motherhood, being a wife, as well as being the owner of Sweet Indulgence. Throw in the also being the oldest granddaughter and niece of two very needy elderly family members, and Annie could feel her once strong and independent self begin to crumble.

  She stood at the kitchen sink, rinsing out Ashton’s sippy cup, while Jack entertained him in the other room. The timer for their dinner went off, startling her. She dried her hands and opened the oven door. She drew in the smell of the baked pork chops and her mouth began to water. She put on a pair of oven mitts and pulled out the glass baking dish.

  “Dinner is ready,” she called out to Jack.

  Jack came in carrying Ashton, swooping him up and down. He made airplane noises, and Ashton laughed and cackled as Jack flew him around the room. He flew Ashton right over to his high chair and buckled him in. Then he went over to help Annie. “Yum, something smells delicious,” he said, coming up behind her.

  “Just pork chops.”

  “Just pork chops,” he said teasing. “They smell pretty darn good, for just being pork chops.” He stuck his head around and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Jack,” she said, giggling.

  “What?”

  “Help me plate the food.”

  They sat down, and in between taking her bites, she fed Ashton.

  “He seems to like the sweet potato,” Jack said, observing Annie feeding him.

  “He’s five months old now; we can start experimenting with some different foods. I’d love to be able to make our baby food instead of buying the jarred stuff.”

  Jack forked a piece of his pork chop and brought it toward his mouth. “Make his baby food? As if you have lots of spare time for that.”

  “I know, but I’d like to try. If we have to augment with jarred food, then that’s what I’ll do,” she said, her voice catching.

  Jack looked up. “Why are you crying, baby?”

  “It’s just that I’m trying to be everything for everyone, and not doing a very good job of it.”

  Jack slid his chair out and rested his hands on his lap. He tilted his head, while knitting his brows together. “Excuse me? You are more than everything to us. You are a perfect wife and mother, and that’s all I care about.”

  “I have a business to run,” she said, trying to hold back the tears.

  “And you have help. You just need to let them do what you pay them to do.”

  Annie nodded. “It’s hard to let go of something you’ve built from the bottom up.”

  “I get that, Annie, I do. But, if you want to see your business flourish, then you need to hire great people to help you, and then stand back and let them do it.”

  “And then there is everything with Grandmother and Auntie.”

  “What about them? If you’re talking about the latest issue, that’s been solved. Betsy and Charles have moved in.”

  “I know they have, but I can’t help but think I’ve let Grandmother and Auntie down somehow, as well as my dad.”

  “Your dad would be proud of what you’ve accomplished, and I
think he’d be happy with Betsy and Charles moving in over there. He wouldn’t want you to give up your life entirely.”

  Annie hung her head down. Ashton squealed and began to kick the foot tray of his high chair. Annie returned her attention to him and smiled. “Want some more sweet taters?” She put a little on the edge of his baby spoon and slipped it between his lips. He kicked the foot tray again, and then in one quick movement, reached up and hit the spoon, knocking it out of Annie’s hands.

  “Whoa, big guy,” Jack said, leaping out of his chair to help with the cleanup.

  Annie took the bib Ashton wore and wiped the splattered potato off his face. She locked eyes with Jack and watched as he crossed the room and stood right in front of her. “What? Do I have sweet potato splatters on me too?”

  Jack reached up and wiped the spot on her nose and then licked it. They both laughed, and soon Ashton laughed right along with them.

  Jack wrapped his arms around her, and like a spoon, filled her spaces while holding on. She could feel his warm breath on her neck, and she snuggled deeper into his folds.

  “I love you, Mrs. Powell,” he said, whispering in her ear, lifting her hair a bit as he did with his breath.

  She reached back and rubbed his arm. Since he’d started working with woodworking tools, he’d developed more muscles in his arms. “Ooh, I like what I feel,” she teased.

  “That right there, is pure muscle,” he said, gloating.

  She moved a few inches out of his reach and then turned over on her other side to now face him. She reached up and ran her fingers through his hair and down the side of his face. “I’ve been so preoccupied with my inadequacies that I’ve failed to ask you how your new business is going.” She pulled herself toward him until she was just inches from his face. She stared into his deep eyes and waited for his response.

  “First of all, you don’t have any inadequacies. Stop with that kind of talk right now.”

  She tipped her head.

  “It’s going pretty good. I’ve gotten two new orders for Christmas yard decorations. One is for a set of reindeer and sled, and the other is for a cutout of Santa and Frosty.”

  “That’s great, dear. This is the perfect time of year for that. What can I do to spread the word?”

  “I’ve made some fliers for the bakery, and Dad put up one at the shop. Oh, and Diane is spreading the word at the vacation agency.”

  “Good,” Annie said, nodding.

  “I want to let people know that my skills are not just limited to Christmas decorations, but it’s a start.”

  “Absolutely. We should take pictures of the cradle and the dining room table and everything else you’ve made.”

  “I’m way ahead of you. However, I do need your help with something.” He reached out and pulled her even closer. He leaned over and kissed her softly on her mouth and then pulled back.

  “What’s that?”

  “A name for the shop. We still need a name.”

  Annie’s eyes widened. “I can’t believe we forgot to name it!”

  Jack brushed his hand down her head. “It’s okay. We can do it now. Any ideas?”

  Annie tilted her head and stared at the ceiling. A smile spread across her face. “I do. How about Powell’s Sweet Wood Design?”

  “That’s perfect, Annie. I love it. I’ll start on my sign tomorrow. I love how you thought of a way to incorporate sweet into the name.”

  “I’m glad I’m good for something,” she said, winking.

  “Oh, baby, you’re good for a whole lot more,” he said, kissing her.

  No matter how tired Annie felt, when he kissed her, she suddenly felt like she was twenty years old and full of vigor. She kissed him back, trailing sweet kisses up and down his neck, finally resting her warm lips on his.

  “I’m calling to invite you all over to the house for Thanksgiving,” Annie said to Milly on the phone.

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m very sure. We’d love it if the grandparents could come, too. Grandmother and Auntie will be here. They love visiting with Cora and Polly. We’d also like to extend the invitation to Danny’s folks, Susan and Preston.” Annie waited for Milly to make an excuse for them.

  “Okay, we’ll come, and I’ll let Susan know about your invite, but no promises there. They might have plans with that uppity social club they belong to. I don’t understand how they can put that first before family.” Milly sighed. “You can be assured that the rest of us will be there, but you must let me help do some of the cooking, Annie.”

  “Jack is going to fry the turkey, so if you want to bring your homemade mac and cheese, that would be great. I’ll ask Mary to bring a couple of pies and Grandmother and Auntie will make their cranberry sauce.”

  “I know my mother would love to make her dressing,” Milly said.

  “Okay, that sounds great. I’ll make sweet potatoes. Ashton loves them. I might make a small batch of mashed potatoes, too. Come over early. Jack wants to toss the football around. The weather is supposed to be great. We can take a walk along the pathway that leads down to the beach. It’ll be so much fun having you all here at Sweet Magnolia,” Annie said, smiling through the phone.

  It was a very special day, indeed, and the weatherman didn’t disappoint them in the least. While the men tossed the football around, the women chattered and cooed over Ashton. After they ate a very hearty dinner, the group went for a walk. Jack pushed Ashton’s stroller, and the men brought up the rear, while the women talked up front. After the brisk walk down to the beach, the group agreed they’d made room for some pumpkin and pecan pie.

  After the last person left Sweet Magnolia, Annie dropped down on the sofa and placed her feet up on the coffee table. Buffy hurdled her little body up on the sofa and laid her head on Annie. “Another Powell-McPherson holiday celebration success.” She patted Buffy’s head and scratched her ears.

  “Little Ashton is pooped. He went right to sleep,” Jack said, sitting down. He patted her leg. “And, a great dinner, Annie.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Thank you, sir. The turkey was delicious and so moist.” She licked her lips, recalling the savory flavor of the turkey.

  “We’re really lucky, you know that?”

  Annie nodded. “I have to pinch myself every now and again. We are.”

  “Tomorrow is Black Friday. Instead of going out in all the shopping hysteria, why don’t we get our tree?” Jack said.

  “That’s a great idea. It will be little Ashton’s first time to a tree farm.”

  Jack ran his hand up and down her arm, sending chills up and down her spine. Every time he touched her, he sent some signal that made her stomach tighten and her heart flutter.

  “It will be his first of many things. I’m making him something really special for Christmas,” Jack said with his eyes twinkling.

  Annie leaned in suddenly and kissed him.

  “What was that for?”

  “Can’t a woman kiss her man?”

  “She sure can,” he said, grabbing her hand and helping her up from the couch, causing Buffy to slide off onto the opposite cushion. Annie looked over her shoulder at Buffy and Isla as he led her down the hallway.

  As they passed Ashton’s room, they couldn’t help but stop and peer in. Jack quietly pushed open the door. Annie stretched her neck to see over Jack’s shoulder and then bobbed her head to the right for a better view.

  “Aw, he looks so peaceful,” Annie said, pulling her arm out and wrapping it around Jack’s waist.

  “And happy. See that little smile on his face?” Jack beamed. “One of these days, he’s going to be a big boy … off to his first day of school, his first swimming lesson, his first—”

  Annie put her finger to Jack’s lips. “I don’t want him to grow up too fast.”

  “I know, but it’s inevitable, Annie.”

  “I know, but for now, let’s just enjoy him as a baby.” She reached up and hung her arms around his neck, pulling him d
own. Their lips met, and soon a passionate kiss began.

  With his free hand, Jack pulled Ashton’s door closed, mumbling something against her lips.

  Annie put her finger up to her mouth and whispered, “Shh.”

  The two walked hand in hand toward their bedroom, and Annie wondered if it was possible to be any more in love or be any happier.

  Chapter Five

  Thanksgiving came, then Christmas. Jack’s business boomed during the holidays, and no one could have been more pleased or surprised than Annie on Christmas morning. Little Ashton, now well on his way to being a big boy, bounced up and down when he saw the brightly colored wagon Jack helped him unwrap. With Ashton’s name clearly painted on the side, this was a special wagon, indeed.

  “After it warms up some, let’s bundle him up and take him for a spin,” Annie said, smiling as Jack pulled him around the living room, with both Buffy and Isla chasing them. The shrill sounds of the child’s pleasure blended with the dogs’ excited barks.

  “I have something else.” Jack handed Annie the wagon handle. “I’ll be right back.” He dashed out of sight, leaving Annie wondering what he’d forgotten.

  “What’s your daddy up to, huh?” She leaned in and tickled Ashton on his tummy. Annie could hear some commotion going on out on the front porch, along with footsteps, grunting, and the sound of wood scraping against wood. She knitted her brows together. “Come here, baby boy,” Annie said, lifting Ashton out of the wagon and carrying him to the sofa.

  They’d just sat down when both Buffy and Isla hopped up to join them. Annie cocked her head and waggled her finger at them. “You know you two are not supposed to be up here.”

  Jack opened the front door and poked his head inside. “Okay, I’m ready.”

  Annie pulled the afghan down from the back of the sofa and wrapped it around them both. “What are you up to?” she asked Jack.

  Jack held the door open for them. Annie stepped out onto the front porch. She gasped. “Jack, oh, my! They are lovely.” She dashed toward the whitewashed rockers with big red bows, and plopping down in one, she began to rock back and forth.