The temperatures dipped low overnight, and when they awoke, frost glistened off the glossy magnolia tree leaves and on patches of grass underneath the treas. The gloomy sky just added to her miserable mood. Bundling up both children in their winter gear, Annie headed over to the Collins’ house. She needed a friendly face and an ear to bend.
Vicky helped by hanging up jackets and scarves then led them to the living room where a roaring fire danced inside the fireplace. Jasmine was sitting in the middle of the floor, playing with dolls.
“Coffee, tea?” Vicky asked.
“Coffee sounds divine,” Annie said. “Why don’t you go play with Jasmine?” She lifted a brow to Ashton.
He moved slowly over to the area where dolls were stacked, mostly with their hair messed up, and their clothes on backward.
Vicky soon brought in the beverages and sat the cups on the coffee table. “It’s downright cold.” She hugged her arms.
“I know. We sat outside last night and had a bonfire. The wind had died down, and it didn’t seem so cold. But this morning…a whole other story.” She leaned forward and picked up a cup.
“I was just finishing up cleaning the kitchen when I heard Danny race out of here. What was his issue?” Vicky sipped her coffee.
“We had words. I’m apologizing for his behavior. We’re so sorry he tore out of here. That was immature of him.”
“At first, I wondered if something had happened to Lilly or Patty. I waited a little bit before retiring to bed. Figured you’d let me know.”
“No, they’re fine.” Annie shook her head. “You know Mary. Drama queen through and through. And now she’s training Danny to be a drama king.” She laughed.
“Are they still moving out of the Charleston home?”
“No. That’s all changed now. They’re staying put. It’s like being on a Ferris wheel with those two. Well, mainly Mary. Danny is just going along for the ride.”
“Are Lilly and Patty all right with the new arrangements?”
“Yes, I believe so. Actually, relieved is a better word. It was overwhelming for them to even think about moving back in, and selling, well that was the worst of it.” Annie studied Ashton and Jasmine while they played dolls. He was being so kind.
“I’m glad it worked out. I think they’re better off at the cottage where you can keep an eye on them.”
“Yes, I do too. So, tell me, when are you two headed to Korea?” Annie flashed a warm smile.
“Next week. We’re super excited. We have all our passports ready, all the documentation ready, and of course, the funds are being held in a trust until we get our sweet boy.” Vicky’s lids grew red, and tears welled up at the bottom.
“I can’t wait to meet him. I mean, we can’t wait,” Annie said, looking over at Carolina in her car seat, sleeping soundly.
“Would you all keep an eye on the place while we’re gone? I don’t expect anything to happen, with you being so close by, and of course, we’ll have the alarm on as well.” Vicky nodded toward the children. “Ashton is such a nice boy. I’m so happy Jasmine has him as a friend.”
“I love that our children are growing up together. Soon we’ll have little—” Her jaw dropped. “What did you decide to name him?” Annie asked, realizing she didn’t know what their son’s name was.
“We thought about it long and hard. Think we’re going to stick with J’s and call him Jackson. Do you think that will be too weird with you all living nearby?”
“Only if you decide to call him Jack for short. Then we might.” Annie covered her mouth to squelch her hearty laugh.
“Nope, it will always be Jackson. Jackson Scott. Has a great ring, don’t you think?”
“It does. I’m so happy for you both.”
The two women held their cups to their lips and took a sip, all the while watching the children play.
“Have you given any more thought about an early retirement from the bakery business?” Vicky asked.
“I think about it all the time. I don’t want to make any rash decisions regarding it. I’d thought maybe Mary would like to dive in and help me run it, but I’m not sure I can count on her.”
“You have a great team in place now. What’s the guy’s name…”
“Peter. Yes, he’s taken on so much since I left. I could see him being the owner. But with it being a woman-operated business for so long, I was just hoping to hand over the reins to another woman entrepreneur.”
“True, but then where does that leave poor Peter?” With a puzzling look painted on her face, Vicky shrugged.
Tipping her chin, a small moan escaped Annie’s mouth. “True,” she whispered.