Page 20 of Takedown in Savannah
“No, we’re not going to the beach, but we will be by the water. You’ll have to wait and see.” Carlita grabbed their bags.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Shelby followed Violet and her mother-in-law up the steps.
“One hundred percent. Mercedes will be over as soon as she finishes her shift at the restaurant.”
Rambo stood waiting for them at the top of the steps, his tail wagging ninety miles an hour when he saw Violet.
She promptly dropped her backpack on the floor and wrapped both arms around the pup’s neck. “I missed you.”
“He missed you too.”
She rocked back on her heels. “I brought some special treats for you.”
“You’re gonna spoil Rambo rotten,” Carlita teased. “And he’ll love every minute of it.”
Violet took Rambo out on the deck while Shelby and Carlita set up the folding playpen bed for Melody. The infant sat watching them, gurgling and talking to them while they worked.
“I didn’t pack sunscreen if you plan to be outdoors and near the water,” Shelby said.
Carlita checked to make sure Violet was still out on the patio. “We’re going to Montgomery Hall to visit Tori and Beebs,” she whispered.
“She’s gonna love it. She mentioned Beebs the other day, telling me how much she misses him and wishes she could see him.”
“Tomorrow is the day.” Carlita finished arranging the toys inside the baby’s playpen. “I think this will work.”
“Thank you for taking the kids.”
“Thankyoufor letting them come stay with us. We’ll have a grand old time.”
“I’m sure you will.” Shelby ran out to tell Violet goodbye. She returned inside and handed Melody to her mother-in-law, giving her a brief rundown of when she last ate. “I can jot down a detailed list if you want.”
Carlita waved dismissively. “We’ll be fine. Violet takes her big sister role seriously and will let me know if I’m missing anything.”
After Shelby left, she carried the baby out onto the balcony. She placed Melodie in her carrier and slid it toward the center of the table. Meanwhile, Violet ran inside to grab her art supplies.
Melody fussed for a moment. Her eyelids drooped, and soon she was fast asleep, her tiny fist curled up on her lap.
Carlita caressed her chubby cheek, marveling at how perfect her tiny granddaughter was and thanking God for all of her blessings.
Violet flew out the door. “I’m ready, Nana.”
She held a finger to her lips and pointed at the sleeping infant.
The young girl tiptoed the rest of the way. “What do you want me to paint, Nana?” she whispered in a loud voice.
“I have a bare wall in the guest bathroom.”
Violet’s expression grew solemn. “I’ll go see what it needs.” She scampered off, returning moments later. “I know what to paint, but it’s a secret. I want it to be a surprise.”
“I can’t wait to see it.” Carlita reached for the packet of paintbrushes. “What should I paint?”
Her granddaughter tilted her head and tapped her chin. “Flowers are easy for beginners.”
“Flowers, it is.”
With detailed instructions from the “resident expert,” Carlita and Violet were soon brushing away at their works of art. While they painted, the young girl chattered about school and which princess she planned to be for Halloween.
At her grandmother’s prompting, she rattled off her list of favorite foods. As luck would have it, Nana’s pizza was at the top of the list.
