The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 3-Etta

I stood in the kitchen, helping my mother to prepare supper for that night. My parents had both been more than glad to allow my husband and his sister to spend the week with us. It was odd, having Jack here in my childhood home. I didn't share any special memories here with him, and I wasn't sure we would make any. Especially with the way our marriage was going right now.

My mother's voice broke me from my thoughts, "How are you, Etta?"

I stirred the mashed potatoes again, tasting them, "Mm needs more salt."

"Etta."

My mother's tone finally got me to look at her. She raised a suspicious eyebrow. I sighed, collapsing in a very unladylike fashion into the chair, "I don't know, Mama. My marriage is a wreck and I'm bored half of the time sitting at home all alone."

"Doesn't Annie keep you good company?" She asked, flipping over the chicken so it wouldn't burn on the stove top. She sprinkled on some rosemary and proceeded to smother the chicken in butter.

I shrugged, "Yes, but Annie also has that bakery to run. She doesn't have all the time in the world to spend with me. Especially with that new toddler of hers always running around the place."

"Oh, how is her little Elliot?" My mother cooed adorably. I swear, my mother was obsessed with children. I'm surprised she didn't have more than the three of us.

"He's getting along fine. He's in his teething stage so he chews on everything and gets it wet," I said, screwing up my face in disgust at the memory of him slobbering up my new dress sleeve last week.

My mother smiled at me, "You could always have little ones someday to keep you busy at home."

"Mama!" I gaped at her suggestion.

She shrugged, "Its always a possibility, Etta."

"Not with him." I said.

Suddenly, my father stepped into the room ending our conversation, "Ah, that smells delicious."

My mother smiled at him, but she gave me a pointed look, letting me know we would be talking about this later. When my father tried to snatch a bite of her food, she smacked his hand away, "Not before we say grace!"

He kissed her cheek, "Of course, my love. It's just that your cooking is so delicious, I can't keep away."

My father winked at me before taking his seat at the head of the table. I shook my head and got up to set the table as the others filed in. Winnie squirmed into her seat next to Meredith, admiring her with wide brown eyes, "I've never met a city girl before."

"Winnie!" I scolded softly, taking my seat next to my husband.

"What?" She whined.

Meredith chuckled, "That's alright. You know what, Winnie? How about I tell you all about what it is like to live in the city after supper?"

A big smile crept up onto Winnie's childish face and she nodded eagerly. After my mother had taken her seat across from my father, she held out her hands towards my brother and Jack, "May we say grace? Who shall do the honors?"

"Me!" Winnie declared.

"Alright, Winnie." My mother smiled, bowing her head.

I clasped my hand with my father and Jack, his fingers feeling hot against my skin. I tried to ignore it during Winnie's short prayer and instantly snatched my hand away when we said amen. My hand was still tingling throughout the entirety of supper. What was wrong with me?

My father glanced at Meredith and Jack, "How have things been up in New York recently? I heard about that company strike. Who was it again?"

"They're called Worthington and Company, I believe?" Jack elaborated. "The workers there claimed they weren't getting paid enough for their kind of work."

I tuned out my husband's and father's talk about New York businesses and poked around at my food. Normally,I would be salivating over my mother's food, but I didn't hardly have an appetite tonight. I was anxious and worried. For the first time in the whole existence of our short marriage, Jack and I were being forced to share a room. The idea in itself was terrifying. I couldn't imagine sleeping in the same room as a man, let alone sharing the bed.

I finally gave into my nerves and excused myself, "I'm really exhausted from the trip, so I think I'll retire to my room early tonight."

Everyone offered their good nights and my mother squeezed my hand as I left the room. I could feel Jack's gaze on my back as I ascended the stairs. Once upstairs in the safety of my room, I slipped out of my frock and into my nightgown. I kept my night robe wrapped tightly around myself, nervously uncoiling and brushing my hair.

A soft knock sounded on the door and Jack carefully slipped into the room. I tried to hide the blush in my cheeks as he kept his gaze on the floor, "Etta, I can go sleep on the couch downstairs."

"No, then my parents will be suspicious. You can't sleep downstairs." I shook my head.

"I'll sleep on the ground, then." He offered, pulling a heavy blanket from the bed and a couple of the pillows.

"No, Jack, I..." I stood up, setting down my hairbrush.

"I don't mind, really." Jack settled himself on the floor, closing his eyes. When I didn't move, he peeked at me through one eyelid. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight." I said, crawling up into my bed, thankful for his thoughtfulness.

Copyright © 2017 by Rosanna Parker

All Rights Reserved

Yeah, I know it's a little boring right now, but I promise the pace will pick up soon! I have some great plot ideas for future chapters! Anyways, have an amazing week!

P.S. I might not get to update for a week or so because I'm going to be on a trip! I'm really excited! But I do promise to update as soon as I get back!

For now, I'd appreciate the votes and comments!

-Rosanna