Page 92 of The Gingerbread Bakery
‘Totally.’
‘I've been calling you for months,’ Estelle went on. ‘You could have given it to me weeks ago and we wouldn’t be in this situation.’
Sylvia shrugged. ‘I didn’t get your messages.’
‘Ha!’ Estelle said, coming closer. ‘Like my father always said, your family is full of liars.’
Sylvia gasped and Annie felt like she was a side character on a daytime soap opera. Mac shifted so he was in between the two cousins. If he had to break up a fight between these senior ladies, Annie would lose it. That definitely wasn't on her wedding bingo card.
‘Ladies,’ Mac said, flashing his most charming smile. ‘I’m sure we can figure this out. We’re all mature adults here, right?’ He winked at Sylvia.
She giggled.
Okay, so maybe hewasa really good groomsman. Annie had to give him that.
Sylvia blushed, patting a hand to her white curls. ‘Well, maybe we could figure something out,’ she said. ‘You come with me.’ She took Mac by the hand and led him out of the room. He glanced back once, his eyes wide, and Annie shrugged and wiggled her fingers in a wave goodbye. If he wanted to play the charmer, this was what he got.
‘I really am sorry about all this,’ Dot said again.
But Estelle was still fuming. ‘It’s not our fault the old wretch won’t give me what’s mine.’
Annie patted her shoulder. ‘I’m sure we’ll get it and we’ll be back in plenty of time for the wedding, okay? Everything’s going to be fine.’
The old dog let out a long sigh. Annie felt the same way.
‘What is this heirloom, anyway, and why is it so important?’ she asked while they waited for Mac and Sylvia to return.
‘It’s good luck,’ Estelle said. ‘It has been in my family for years and every bride that’s worn it on her wedding night has had a long and happy marriage, so it’s important. I had to come get it.’
‘I'm sure Jeanie and Logan will have a long and happy marriage, no matter what,’ Dot said.
‘Well, I’d like to have a little extra insurance.’
‘Did you wear it?’ Annie asked, still wondering what the heck they were talking about. Jeanie already had her dress and shoes and jewelry for the day. What else was there?
‘I didn't get to wear it,’ Estelle said, ‘because Sylvia claimed she lost it after her wedding. I didn't push it at the time, but Logan’s too important to me for him to not have it for his bride.’
If Annie disregarded how this whole thing had upended her day and threatened the wedding, then she could almost see how it was a loving gesture from a grandmother to the grandson she’d raised. Almost.
‘We’re back,’ Sylvia said, shuffling into the room. She had a wrapped parcel under one arm and Mac’s hand in hers.
‘I’m only giving this to you because Dot has been a lovely guest and Mac here really made my day. If it had been only you on my doorstep, I would have left you outside.’
Estelle huffed and held out her hand. ‘Just give it to me already.’
‘Estelle,’ Annie hissed. ‘Be nice.’ Maybe if she had been nice from the start this whole thing wouldn't have happened, but Annie kept that part to herself. She didn't know what history these two old women had, but she was not about to get into it right now.
Estelle rolled her eyes like a teenager. But she cleared her throat and tried again. ‘Please may we have the package so we can be on our way?’
Sylvia hesitated but then handed it over, and Annie breathed a sigh of relief.
‘Thank you for your hospitality,’ Dot said leaning down to give the woman a hug.
‘You can come back anytime,’ Sylvia said, patting her on the back. ‘And that goes for you too,’ she said, looking up at Mac. He leaned down and she gave him a little peck on the cheek.
‘Thanks, Sylvia. We really appreciate your help,’ he said, giving her hand one more squeeze.
‘Okay, gang. We’ve got a wedding to get to,’ Annie said, herding everyone out of the house. The dog finally woke up and barked as they closed the door behind them.
