crossed the bridge into downtown Charleston, she was reminded, once again, of all the reasons why she loved this City. The water…the breeze…the bridges…the harbor; this was her “happy place”. She had fallen in love with Charleston as a child while vacationing here with her family.
The day was perfect with beautiful blue skies, like a gift from Heaven after the storm had passed. Sleep would not come after Royce had gone this morning. Her mind was all jumbled with thoughts.
Royce had made it clear that he wanted to be the only man in her life. He wanted to be the one to take her out to dinner, walk on the beach, and-- well other things. He had been so sexy this morning, whispering those things in her ear as he had her pressed up against the kitchen counter. Whew! She had better concentrate on her driving.
The first thing on her agenda this morning was a walk through Waterfront Park. Then she would make a quick pass through the Market on her way to pick up candy for the girls from the candy shop on the corner. After that little chore was out of the way, she would squeeze in a quick trip to Victoria’s Secret.
The girls were planning a sleep-over tonight and had given her a list of things they needed from the candy shop. Sugar, of course, was the key element to a successful sleep over. In fact, sugar was the key element to the success of any day. Becki had already decided to treat herself to a caramel apple. Her mouth watered just thinking about a great big granny smith apple smothered with caramel and crushed peanuts. Yummmm! They tasted so wonderful, they should be illegal.
Becki zipped into an open parking space and headed out to enjoy a short walk through Waterfront Park. Children were already splashing in the fountain. She wished she could join them for a minute, but it was impossible today. She and the cousins would have to plan a girlsday-out soon. They could play in the water, hang out on the swings at the pier, and watch the dolphins in the harbor.
Becki enjoyed the sea breeze as she made her way toward Savannah’s Candy Kitchen via the Market, of course. Charleston City Market had changed over the years; initially it had been the domain of vegetable, fish and meat vendors. Now it was filled with unique shops, a must see for tourists. The Market had survived several generations of vendors and was still the best place to buy sweet grass baskets.
Becki loved to watch the weavers scattered throughout the market as they worked on their baskets; many of them personally harvested their grass in the Lowcountry marshes. There was no way she would want that job considering snakes and other critters lurked out in the marsh.
During the past few years, the Market had undergone extensive renovation. Among the many changes, the most notable were the public restrooms and air conditioned areas that had been added. Although it was nice to escape the sometimes oppressive summer heat, a part of her hated to see it modernized to such a degree. In some ways it seemed to over commercialize a historic landmark.
Becki meandered from one section of the market to another browsing through jewelry, glassware, and art. She spotted a framed photograph that would fit perfectly in her living room. The artist had captured the Cooper River Bridge at sunset. The elegant lines of symmetry formed by massive cables as they stood against a background of color were breathtaking. As she moved nearer to the masterpiece, she heard a voice nearby shout a familiar name.
“Royce!” Joanna squealed and as she spotted her big brother, her hero, her larger-than-life champion. Boy, was he in trouble for getting himself captured.
Royce smiled and threw his arms wide open as she ran towards him. He stood watching, waiting for her to jump into his arms the way she had been doing ever since she was a child. There was nothing child-like about the woman running toward him. He wondered where the time had gone. His baby sister had somehow morphed into this beautiful woman.
Becki scanned the crowd and felt her heart drop to her knees. Royce… her Royce! She was unable to tear her eyes away as he threw his arms open wide, only to wrap them tightly around the raven-haired bitch who had launched herself solidly into his arms. Not only did he catch her mid-air, he hugged her