Each day at the bakery, Annie gave one hundred percent. Each night, Jack gave one hundred percent. At least in her mind he was giving more. As he got into the routine, not only did he have dinner ready, but the house was clean, the laundry done, oh, and the house was decorated for Christmas. Granted, he didn’t have her crafty touch to decorating, but he definitely got an A for effort.
“Jack, honey. You’re doing so much. You must be as tired as I am. Maybe even more so.” With her eyelids hooding over her eyes, she tasted the homemade chili.
“I’m keeping busy, and that’s a good thing. The therapist—”
Annie’s eyes flew open. “Jack…you were supposed to tell me when the next appointment was.” She set her spoon down, giving him a scornful look.
“First of all, stop throwing the daggers at me. It’s okay that you’re not accompanying me to them.”
“I want to show I’m supportive,” she said, pouting.
“You are supportive.” He slid out his chair and came around to her side of the table.
“I feel like everything has changed. I’m on a merry-go-round and can’t get off.” She lowered her gaze.
Lifting her chin with his finger, he tilted her head, his eyes never wavering from hers. “I feel like that sometimes, too, but we’re making it work. We have a great support system here. The operative word being system. Lilly, Patty, Mary, Mom and Dad, everyone. They’re here to help us.”
“I know they are. It’s just that I’m usually the one helping.”
“Stop the pity party right now, Annie Powell. I’m the one who was injured.” His loving tone turned harsh.
Man, did those words hit her in the head like a brick. He was right. So what if her little consistent world had changed. His changed in ways she’d never know. Get a grip, Annie, she could hear Grandmother say. Life isn’t fair, she’d say. A tear bobbled on her bottom lid, eventually dropping down her cheek.
“I’m sorry, Jack. You’re right. I’m feeling sorry for myself, and that’s not cool. From now on, there’ll be no more pity parties here. Only the best Christmas Eve celebration ever.” She leaped to her feet and wrapped her arms around his neck. Leaning back so she could see all of his face, she paused. Saving the best for last was something she loved doing.
“Jack, you keep me grounded. I can’t imagine my life without you or the children. You’ve given us a beautiful home and a wonderful life. I love you.” She moved her lips to his, pressing softly at first, then with more emotion, setting another kiss for the records.
“Mommy and Daddy are kissing,” Ashton sang out.
While still holding on to the last seconds of the kiss, Annie and Jack started chuckling. Pulling back, he kissed her nose then rushed over to Ashton.
“Yes, Daddy was kissing Mommy. Her lips taste yummy.” He looked up and winked at Annie.
And just like that, they went from down in the dumps to flying high. A roller coaster, a merry-go-round, whatever you wanted to name it. Life was full of ups and downs, and the Powells were no different. But if Annie knew one thing for sure, they’d recover from all the lows, and soon, sunny days with blue skies would be their mantra. Forever.
The kids had saved a few ornaments for Annie to place on the tree. The tree they’d picked up while she was at work. The one they’d found before Grandmother had her little accident. She was surprised to find out it was still there. Jack later confided that he’d hid it among some trees, making it difficult to see. In all of the commotion of Grandmother’s accident, she didn’t even realize he’d done that.
A few of the plastic containers were still packed with holiday decorations. Annie chose a few and set them around. It made her feel like part of the celebration. And even with the sorest feet, she stood at the counter and made cookies with Ashton. Wasn’t that being a parent? You roll up your sleeves, make a cup of coffee, and you dig in, doing what is important for the child. It built memories, and Annie was all about that, recalling the time capsule she and Jack buried near the magnolia tree.
After the kitchen was closed for the night and the kids were snuggled in their beds, Jack and Annie snuggled on the couch.
“I love Christmastime, especially with the children,” she said, leaning back into his arm.
“Yup. It’s the best.” He reached his left arm around her.
Reaching down, she rested her hand on his stub, feeling the ace bandage under her fingertips.
“Everything is ready for the big party, except for the wood,” he said, staring straight ahead at the flickering flames in the fireplace.
“I’m going to help with that tomorrow. I’ll get Grandmother to keep an eye on the kids.”
“I have Danny and Mary coming tomorrow. While he and I chop, she’s going to watch the kids.”
“Oh,” she said tersely.
“Annie,” he sang, giving her the look.
“No, I’m not jealous. I’m glad they’re helping you.” Turning, she faced him. “I may just be a tad bit jealous.” She held her fingers apart, showing him. “But then I quickly dismissed it. This is good. This is good.” She leaned back into his arms.
He played with the ends of her hair. “Good because family is part of our support system. Just repeat after me.” He chuckled.
Annie playfully slapped his leg. “Yes, Jack, I got it.”
“But just so you don’t feel completely left out, I will need some help with the food. I think it’s too much on Lilly and Patty, after all.”
“Do you think they’re feeling all right?”
“I think so. It’s their age, Annie. It’s creeping up on them. They get winded easily, take longer naps, aren’t eating quite as much as they used to. It’s all about the slowing down process of the elderly. It’s happening with my grandparents too. They’re coming to the party, but I bet all of them will be napping in the cottage before the night is through.” He let out a snicker.
“I probably should make a doctor appointment for them,” Annie said.
“After the holidays. They wouldn’t want anything to spoil the children’s festivities.”
“So, you do think something is wrong. Have they shared anything with you?” Annie said, verbalizing her concern.
“Not in so many words. Just the observation I’ve made. I think it’s just old age.”
“Just the same, I think I’ll make an appointment for them. It’s been a while since they’ve been seen.”
“What do you mean? Lilly was just seen in the ER.”
“Ha ha, Jack.”
“I’m glad you’re able to see the humor in things. No matter what life throws at us, we must still laugh,” he said.
“That’s sound advice. I’ll definitely try to remember that.”
Jack took off to check on the children, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Propping her feet up on the coffee table, she fell into a slumber.
Opening her eyes wide, she sat up. “What?” She knitted her brows together.
“You were talking in your sleep.”
Annie shifted her gaze away. Now she remembered. She was dreaming of their date on the boat, and how they’d gotten caught in a summer downpour. Seemed like a lifetime ago.
“I guess I dozed off. Do you remember our first date on the boat?”
“How could I forget. You were so beautiful. We had a nice dinner, and then it rained on us when we got back to the dock.”
“And we ran laughing to the car. Soaked, but so unbelievably happy,” she said, smiling.
“I’m glad you’re still regarding our courtship as happy times,” he said.
“Jack, everything about us are happy times. I love you with all of my heart.”
“I know you do. And I love you too. Why do you suppose we’re going down memory lane tonight?”
“I don’t know. I guess we’ve been through so much over the last several years. It’s good to reminisce about the good old days.”
He drew her hand in his and urged her to stand. An all too familiar moment settled in between them. He leaned in. She inched closer. She posed for the kiss.
A shrill cry came from Carolina’s bedroom, breaking the enchantment. Annie rushed down the hall, and Jack was right behind her.