Chapter 43 Charlotte
Charlotte
In awe, I stare at the TV.
“This is the best part,” my brother tells me, sitting on the edge of his seat.
“Argh, this is the worst part.” Sutton’s mom shields her eyes as Sutton flies through the air and wrestles a monster before they both splash into the ocean.
“Oh God, I can’t watch.” I side with his mom and squeeze my eyes shut, and my brother and Kevin both cheer for Sutton’s superhero character on the screen.
“Seriously, this is gross…” Annabelle scrunches her face as she watches Sutton’s character fight, and I’m sure there’s blood and all sorts of things flying around. I wouldn’t know; I can’t look at it.
“I much prefer the library…” I say quietly, wincing at the loud noises from all the action playing out.
Sutton’s mom looks at me, and we share a smile, because she knows exactly which library I’m talking about.
To say I was stunned when Sutton brought Preston and me here, immediately showing us his library, would be an understatement.
He thought of everything; from non-fiction books that Preston might need for school and a vast fiction selection too, lots of environmental and gardening books and, of course, I saw his little stash of beekeeping materials, the ones that seem to grow almost every day.
I know he built it with me in mind. I almost couldn’t believe it.
He’s added cute reading nooks along the windows, a desk where Preston can do his homework, and a really cool ladder that runs across the length of the shelves, which Preston loves swinging from.
There’s even a fireplace with the comfiest sofa that might as well be a big bed in front of it, covered with pillows and surrounded by end tables that hold snack baskets and a mini fridge of refreshments.
It’s perfect. Just like him.
“I’m so glad that Sutton has finally found someone who cares about him. I knew the minute I saw him, by the big bright smile on his face, that his heart is whole. It’s a wonderful thing for a mother to see,” she whispers to me.
My chest aches in the best way at having her approval. “He’s a pretty great guy. You raised him well. I’m lucky to have met him.”
Her eyes are full of warmth.
“And to have little Preston with us too. Oh, it’s just such a delight to have all these kids around… Although, as much as I love my son, I do prefer my game shows.”
I chuckle at that. She’s amazing. I can see where Sutton gets his love of life from. She arrived yesterday and was such a breath of fresh air. She took to Preston and me the moment of our introduction, and while I was nervous to meet her, it’s clear she has a lot of love for her boys.
“Oh! Love this scene.” Sutton walks in from the kitchen, wearing a pink frilly apron, coming to stand behind the sofa where I sit. I look up at him as he squeezes my shoulders.
“Why didn’t you tell me it was so anxiety inducing?” I whine playfully, his mom giggling beside us.
“Don’t worry, Tinker. I save the day.” He winks at me.
“At least I’m not the only one who can’t watch it,” his mom says, to which Sutton gives her a teasing huff.
“How is it that my two favorite women in my life can’t watch me onscreen?”
“Because we love you, that’s why. We don’t want anyone to harm you,” I tell him, and he leans in to press a sweet kiss on my lips. It’s quick, just showing his affection, feeling so natural, I don’t even care who’s around.
When we pull apart, his mom is looking at us both with hearts in her eyes.
“Well, it’s the last movie I’ll do, so you both can breathe a sigh of relief.”
My breath catches, head snapping back to him.
“Last one?” his mom asks with just as much shock in her tone.
“Yep. No more movies for me, Mom. I’m retiring.”
“Retiring?” I’m in complete disbelief. How has he not mentioned that before? I was wondering how we would make it all work. But I didn’t want to be a woman who demanded his time or forced him into making decisions that he wasn’t ready to.
“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it for a while.
I love it here. I love you, and there’s no way in hell I can be away on a movie set for six months of the year without you.
Plus, I’ve hit every goal an actor could.
I’ve won awards, done well for myself. I want to leave on top.
So, I’m going to hang up my acting boots.
I have a few things coming down the pipeline with Tanner and the distillery that will keep me in the game for a while, but I’m really itching to get the beehives going. ”
“Are you sure, honey?” his mom asks, her expression shifting to one that shows she couldn’t be happier about all this.
“I am, Mom. I really am. It’s time.” Once he reassures his mom, he looks back to me. “You going to get tired of having me in Whispers, baby?” His tone is light, not serious, but I answer him anyway.
“Not possible,” I say sweetly, then add, “But I might need to keep you out of the kitchen for the major holidays. Is something burning?”
“Shoot!” He jolts, eyes wide, like he forgot all about the meal he was preparing. “I’m not sure turkey chef is my next adventure.”
His mom and I laugh as he rushes back to the kitchen, catching Sawyer’s attention.
“Is it ready?” he asks, just as Sutton steps back into the room, looking like someone just kicked his puppy. He and Sawyer have been in the kitchen all morning, not wanting any help from their mom, Annabelle, or me.
Sutton sighs. “As ready as it’s ever going to be.”
“This is… nice.” My jaw is sore from chewing another dry piece of turkey, needing to add more cranberry sauce to swallow it.
“Liar.” Sutton grins, clearly not taking his lack of cooking skills to heart.
“Well, the beans are lovely, boys,” his mom says as she stabs a droopy bean on her fork and pretends it’s the most delightful thing she’s ever eaten.
“Another liar.” Sawyer looks at her cheekily.
“Should we just skip it all and go straight to dessert?” Annabelle asks the table. “And if we’re hungry later, we can throw together some pizza bites?”
“Yes!” all the boys say in unison, and I laugh, just as enthused by that idea as they are. Thanksgiving was never like this for me. Growing up, it was a big day. Chef Luc outdid himself every year. As if Preston knows what I’m thinking, he looks at me, and I nod. I know, buddy. I miss him too.
We all clear the table, taking a little break before dessert.
His mom hangs out with Noah, Kevin, and Preston as Sawyer and Annabelle wash the dishes in the kitchen.
I tried to help but was told to go relax, and since Sutton messed up dinner, his brother didn’t want him “breaking any dishes too,” which made everyone laugh.
“Here, this might help wash your mouth out.” Sutton slides his whiskey glass over to me, where we sit back at the dining table, having some time to ourselves.
I’ve only ever drank whiskey once before, with my dad on my birthday.
It seems somewhat serendipitous that I’m now drinking it at what’s becoming my rebirth of sorts.
I lift the glass to my lips, and the smell of it burns my nose hairs.
“Whiteman’s?” I ask, because I think it’s illegal to have any other brand in this town.
His eyes light up as he nods. “The new one. My one.”
That makes me smile as I touch the glass to my lips.
Sutton watches me carefully as the amber liquid moves to my mouth.
I take a sip, just enough to coat my tongue and hold it in my mouth.
This is how my father taught me to appreciate whiskey.
I swirl it a little, exposing it to my palette before I swallow, savoring the flavors.
“Shit… you even make drinking whiskey sexy, Tinker…” he says gruffly.
I hum, leaning a little closer to him. “It’s nice. Smooth. I taste a little honey?”
Smiling, he nods. “Tanner coated the barrels in honey before aging. Makes it very smooth.”
“Easy to drink.” I nod in agreement.
“That’s why, with every sale of a bottle, Tanner is giving ten percent to the Save the Bees charity.”
“Save the Bees?” The question leaves me on a breath. I wonder briefly if this man is actually real. He keeps surprising me in ways that leave me astounded.
He grabs my hand. “Yep,” he says, popping the P and giving me a wink.
“My girl loves bees, I love bees, Tanner… likes bees. You know how much reading I’ve been doing, and I’ve learned how important they are to pollinate the plants, to make food, so it’s a worthy cause, don’t you think?
” His loving eyes search mine as he brings my hand to his lips, kissing every knuckle.
“Oh my God, you’re serious?”
“Yeah. I’m serious. Bee deaths are on the rise.”
I have to swallow past the sudden lump in my throat. “I swear, I think my mom brought me straight to you…” My voice breaks as I think of her, and he looks at me meaningfully.
“I think she did too, Tinker. I’ll make her proud and treat you like the princess you are every damn day.” He has so much conviction in every word, it can’t be denied.
“She would’ve liked you.” Even feeling emotional, I grin just thinking about it.
“Oh yeah? My handsome good looks or movie-star smile?” He waggles his eyebrows, making me smile.
“No, your kind heart, your gentle soul, and your protective nature all would’ve rated high in her book.”
“I wish I got to meet her.” He pushes my hair behind my ear.
“Me too…” I whisper, then lean in to kiss him, just as Sawyer steps back into the dining room.
“Who wants peanut butter cup cheesecake?” Sawyer calls out, carrying a big chocolate cake to the table, and my eyes widen. Everyone comes rushing back in, taking their seats and passing plates around.
Sutton pulls my chair closer to his, serving me a piece. “I made it just for you.”
I melt a little more inside, especially when I take a bite and it’s surprisingly delicious.
Listening to the laughter and chatter, everyone full of joy, I know we’ll figure things out. Even with so much up in the air and fear still lingering inside me at what’s to come, I have people around me who will help us along the way.
For that, I’m thankful.