The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 2-Jack

I grumpily got onto the train with my sister dragging me in tow. She was rambling at high speeds, giving me a long lecture, "How could you send your wife away all alone!? You should be ashamed!"

I tuned out the rest of her ranting and plopped down grumpily on a window seat and rested my chin on my palm as the train pulled out of the station. I startled when my sister, Meredith snapped her fingers in front of my face. I scowled, "What?"

"Are you even listening to me?!" she crossed her arms and huffed. "I can't believe you. Men are so thick headed sometimes!"

I rolled my eyes, "Alright, I'm listening."

Meredith grumbled some more and plopped into her seat. She waved her hand at me, "Never mind."

I shook my head at her, a smile on the edge of my lips. Honestly, her concern for my wife was endearing.  The rest of my family wanted nothing to do with Etta. I wasn't sure I wanted anything to do with her, either.  Sure, I was rich and handsome and witty....but I'd had some bad run ins with past relationships before.  I didn't like the idea of having a wife, but I couldn't say no to Etta.

I remembered her showing up at my door that night like it was yesterday.  I had woken up from a restless sleep to a loud pounding on my door.  I was surprised to see a grief-stricken Etta with tear stained eyes.

"Please, Mr. Muller you have to help us!" she pleaded, shoving her way into my home.

I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall of my kitchen as she paced before me. I was slightly afraid in that moment, mainly because Etta is a force when she is upset.  She was pacing my kitchen like a tiger locked up in her cage.  I wasn't sure if she was going to lash out at me or not.

I rested my hand on her arm, forcing her to stop, "Calm down. What are you talking about?"

She threw her hands up into the air, "My father's farm! He can't get the money to pay for it!"

"And how am I supposed to help?"

She scoffed at me, shoving me away, "How are you supposed to help!? Why can't your father give him a loan? Can't you speak to him about it?"

I shook my head, "My father set his terms.  He can only keep the farm if I am married into the family."

Etta ran her hand down her face, looking completely devastated. I almost felt bad for her.

Almost.

She took a seat in one of the chairs, "Alright."

"What do you mean, alright?" I quirked an eyebrow.

"I'll marry you." she sighed, defeated.

"Whoa, hold up. I never agreed to marry anyone." I lifted my hands defensively.

"That was the deal!" she shouted angrily, getting in my face.  She shoved at my chest. "You have to marry me!"

I chuckled, "My father set those terms, but I never said I would agree to them. Besides, no one thought you would come groveling at my feet, begging for a marriage."

She cursed under her breath, "That's not fair."

I lifted a finger, "But, I might reconsider, as long as my side of the deal is fulfilled."

"What do you want?" she asked, her eyes looking afraid and unsure.

I leaned down and whispered in her ear, "You aren't allowed to deny my advances.  Especially at night." I added with a wink.

"You disgusting b-" she started to say, but I laid a finger over her soft lips, shushing her.

"If I'm getting married, then I might as well have the full benefits," I said, amused at her disgusted expression.