Bracing her hands against Carolina’s doorframe, her gaze floated from the empty crib to the floor. There, lying on the floor, was a sobbing Carolina. She hurried to her, cradling Carolina in her arms. She looked her over for any obvious signs of injury. A red spot on her forehead concerned her.
“Oh, baby girl, did you fall out of your crib?” She kissed the spot on her forehead.
“I think we have a little tomboy on our hands. She climbed over the railing,” Jack said.
“I think so. She’s learning a lot from Ashton,” Annie said, studying the small goose egg on Carolina’s forehead. “She’s going to have quite a bump here. Let’s get some ice on it,” she said, following Jack to the kitchen.
“Is it my imagination, or do children interfere with their parents’ love life?” Jack opened the freezer and put some cubes in a baggie.
Taking the baggie, Annie wrapped it in a tea towel from the kitchen drawer and gently held it in place on Carolina’s head. “It seems like it.”
“I think she’ll survive the fall, don’t you?” Jack said.
“Just to be sure, I’m going to keep her awake for a bit. We know she hit her head. Go on to bed. I’ll be there eventually.”
“Annie, we’re in this together, remember? Besides, it’s still early.” He winked.
With another emergency averted, Annie breathed a sigh of relief as she finally settled into bed with a sleeping Jack at her side. It was time to put all the craziness behind them and prepare for their holiday celebration. Who was she kidding? All the Powell and McPherson gatherings had some form of craziness. That’s what made them so much fun.
Everyone loved a good party, and Annie and Jack were known to throw some of the best. And despite living on the tiny island, and a drive for most people, few people declined their invitation. The weather cooperated beyond anyone’s wildest wishes. A light chill in the air made it perfect for the bonfire, and the clear night sky lit up with stars added to the glorious evening under the deeply wooded lot Sweet Magnolia shared. Jack had installed lighting the summer before, and with the strings of mason jar lights around the gazebo, trellis, and on limbs of trees, the grounds sparkled like fairy dust.
Danny stacked the wood inside the large, rocked pit and lit it, getting it started before everyone showed up. Mary, Annie, Grandmother, and Patty were putting the finishing touches on the appetizers and drinks. Jack gathered the chairs and sat them around the pit. Annie couldn’t help but check on the men every so often. Her chest puffed out when she saw Jack lifting chairs, moving tables around, and doing all the things he used to do prepping for parties.
“Jack seems to be doing well,” Mary said as she sliced the salami.
“He is. It was rough for a while,” Annie said.
“He’s going to therapy more, and it shows,” Patty said, gleaming ear to ear.
“I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Jack Powell always knew what he had to do to cope with this tragedy. It just took him a bit to get there. Therapists, poo,” Lilly said, pouring her second glass of wine.
“Grandmother, therapists are wonderful professionals. They help many people.”
“Yeah, Grandmother. They help Danny all the time with his PTSD,” Mary said.
Grandmother waved them off and sat. “Medical professionals are all the same. They take your money, and all they can do is guess about stuff. No two people are the same. What works for one may not work for others.”
“Well, I’m glad you have such a high opinion of them because I’ve made you and Auntie doctor appointments.”
“What?” Lilly sat her wineglass down hard.
“Yes. It’s been well over a year since you saw your doctor.”
“I just saw a doctor a couple of weeks ago,” she argued.
“That was an emergency room doctor. He was checking you just for your hip. He also said we needed to follow up with your primary doctor. I would hate for anyone to think I don’t take care of you, and report me.” Annie sliced cheese.
Sighing deeply and loudly for everyone to hear, Grandmother picked up her glass. “I suppose so. If memory serves me, my doctor was pretty handsome.”
The ladies all broke out laughing.
“Go ahead and laugh,” Lilly said. “But I read somewhere that the libido doesn’t die until you’re in the ground.”
Patty gasped, covering her mouth to hide her giggles. Mary shook her head. Annie, cocking her head with her hands on her hips, said, “You’re so incorrigible sometimes.”
“But you love me, right?” She winked.
“Always,” Annie said.
Annie’s eyes lit up when Vicky and Scott walked in the door with Jasmine and her baby brother, Jackson. Annie held out her arms, nuzzling little Jackson’s soft face.
“He’s precious,” Annie said.
“We’re all adjusting. Jasmine has been such a big help to Mommy.” Vicky ran her fingers through the little girl’s curls.
Vicky had taken to motherhood. Jasmine’s hair was done up with the prettiest red bows, she had on a cute Christmas outfit, and Jackson’s jet-black hair, what little he had, was neatly combed. He, too, was dressed in a festive outfit.
“I’ve wanted to visit so many times. It’s just been a bit chaotic over here,” Annie said.
Scott waved off Annie’s words. “No worries. We know you two have had your share of stuff. We were just waiting for the right time.”
“There’s no time like a Christmas shindig at the Powell’s,” Mary said, breaking up the little happy reunion.
“Hi, Mary,” Vicky said.
“Look at you. The happy little family. We’re all so glad you could come today. We need some joy, don’t we?” Mary tickled Jackson’s tummy, making him giggle.
“We’re good at spreading joy,” Scott said.
They all looked up when they heard more laughter.
“Oh my. Look who just crashed our party!” Annie ran over and hugged Cassie, her friend from college who she’d not seen in ages.
“Annie, you look great,” Cassie said.
“This can’t be little Katy!” Annie leaned over and smiled at the little girl who wasn’t a toddler anymore.
“Yes. Hasn’t she grown?” Cassie’s gaze dropped to her daughter.
They got out all the hugs and wiped away the tears of happiness when the next set of guests arrived. And before too long, they were joined by another college friend, Jessica and her husband, Tom, and their son Reece. But it was only when Dr. Michael Carlisle and Rebecca came waltzing in with their precious daughter, Kathryn, that the circle of friends was complete. Everyone else who came after, except Charles and Betsy, were family by blood. But this special group of people was just as much family. They didn’t get to see them as often, but when they did, it was like old home week.
The spread that the ladies put out had the group complimenting them. Annie could never take full credit, so she made sure those who did the good deed got their due. And at nightfall, Jack and Danny created one massive fire, flames shooting high into the dark sky. Everybody bundled up as they sat around the roaring fire, feeling the warmth radiating around them. The children roasted marshmallows while the adults reminisced. Every now and then, Grandmother and Auntie would interject and get a laugh out of them. Robert and Milly Powell were more stoic, but once Milly had a couple of glasses of wine, she opened up. Jack’s sister and her family came. It was nice to have family and friends help them celebrate so many great things. Even Jack’s grandparents on both sides came, although soon, all the old folks headed back to the cottage for a game of cards and real warmth.
Letting out a deep breath, Annie stared up into the sky. So many stars were out on this cold evening. A night where you could see your breath, and no matter how many layers, the chill could be felt to the bone. She drew her lap blanket up to cover Carolina, swaddling her tightly.
“It’s getting a tad cold out here for the children. Maybe we should take the party back inside?”
While Jack and all the men stayed back to make sure the fire was out, the women and children entered Sweet Magnolia. She switched on the gas fireplace and told everyone to make themselves comfortable. She put Carolina to bed but allowed Ashton to stay up to play with his “friends,” as he called them. The other moms got the kids interested in some games, then helped themselves to another glass of wine while they waited for the men.
“I’m so glad Jack is doing well,” Rebecca said.
“Yes, me too. It’s been a tough hill to climb, but I think we’re on the downward hike,” Annie said.
“I know we’re all so darn busy, but we need to set aside time to get together once in a while,” Cassie said.
“I’m back at work. For the time being anyway. At least until Jack figures out what he wants to do. Stop by someday, and we can have lunch. It’s not just a bakery anymore.” Annie tipped her head and shrugged.
“Oh, we know. We’ve stopped in many times while Peter was running the place. He’s done such a great job. He could use more help, though. Sometimes the wait is a tad too long. I worried you may be losing customers,” Rebecca said.
Annie knew full well that Rebecca had experience with this topic. She was running a restaurant herself. The Black-Eyed Pea was a favorite of Grandmother and Auntie’s.
“I know. I think I’ll try to hire some more folks to help us. I just want to work part-time.”
“I’m sure you’ll find someone,” Diane, Jack’s sister, said.
“I’d ask my sister to help out, but then you’d be short an employee,” Annie said, smirking at Mary.
“I’m happy to help you out on the weekends, Sis. Just say the word.”
“I might just take you up on that offer.”
The door flew open, letting a whoosh of cold air in. The men all trampled inside, taking care to wipe their feet first. Isla and Buffy ran up with their tails wagging.
“I remember when she was just a pup,” Ryan said, patting Isla on the head.
“And I remember when Buffy was too,” Cassie said, scratching Buffy under her chin.
“She’s getting up there. I guess none of us stay young forever,” Annie said.
“No, but we can sure as heck try. I’m not giving up on youth,” Mary said.
“Grandmother always says you’re only as old as you feel,” Annie said.
“Well, in that case, she’s going to outlive us all!” Mary said.
The entire room fell out laughing.
The group stuck around for a bit longer, then one by one the couples left, leaving Jack and Annie standing in the middle of the once boisterous room, now quiet, and dimly lit by the gas fireplace.
“We did it again,” Jack said, holding her hand.
“It was a great party. I loved seeing all the smiling faces and everyone catching up. It warms my heart,” she said.
“And what about those old folks? If I ever start to count any of that bunch out, holler at me,” Jack said, picking up the clutter around the room.
“Leave that, Jack. We can clean up tomorrow. I’m bushed. Let’s call it a night.” She flexed her arm outward and opened her hand.
He moved toward her, taking her hand, he clasped it tightly. “I’ve been thinking a lot tonight about my situation,” he said as they walked toward the bedroom.
“Oh?” She furrowed her brows.
“I’m going to open up the woodshop again. Not until after the new year though.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. I’ll start off slow, see how I do, but the therapist said if I have the desire, I should at least try.”
“And do you? Have the desire?”
“I do. I dream about it during all hours of the day. I want to get back into it. I need to for my sanity.”
“I’ll support you in any way I can, Jack. You do know that, right?”
“Of course. That’s why we make such a great team. I can read your mind, you can finish my sentences, and we’re just like one.” He pulled her close.
“Well, if that’s true, what am I thinking?” Annie batted her lashes while giving him a sexy look, while teasingly playing with her hair.
Leaning in, he brushed his mouth across hers. “How’s that for mind reading?”
“I like it. I like it a lot, Mr. Powell.” She looped her hands around his neck and pulled him in for another.