The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 4- Jack

I woke up early that morning on Christmas Eve, leaving my wife to sleep peacefully in her bed. After slipping into a fresh shirt and trousers, i lightly knocked on Meredith's bedchambers door. My little sister creaked open the door, her hair in a tangled mess and her eyes drooping heavy with sleep.

"What, Jack?" She yawned. "How early is it?"

"It's only five." I checked my pocket watch.

"Five!?"

"Shhh!" I clamped a hand down over her mouth. "Get dressed, we need to head to the store."

"Why?" She groaned.

"You'll see." I winked.

She grumbled, glaring at me before slamming the door in my face. When Meredith appeared somewhat decent from her lack of sleep, we silently headed downstairs and out the creaky front door. Meredith grumbled, hitching up her skirts to walk, "This had better be good, lover boy. Because I didn't get up at five in the morning to go and buy a peppermint stick!"

I chuckled, "Oh, trust me, it'll be better than that."

After walking a mile to town, because I refused to borrow anyone's horse and wagon without asking permission, we stepped into the large merchantile resting off to the side. I assisted my sister up the sagging steps and into the door, which was luckily unlocked at such an ungrateful hour of the morning.

A chipper old man set down the book he had been reading and smiled, "Good morning. I hardly ever get such early visitors."

Meredith glared at me, "My brother insists on doing his shopping at irregular hours."

The old man chuckled and held out an old but sturdy hand to shake, "The name's Ike Wilson."

"Jack Muller. This is my sister Meredith." I said, nodding to Meredith.

She managed to twist her lips up into a decent smile, "Hello."

Ike rested his heavy forearms on the counter, "So, is there anything I can help you find?"

"Do you happen to sell turkeys?" I asked. "I didn't see a butcher in town..."

Ike nodded, "Yes, we have 'em. How many pounds?"

"The biggest one you have." I winked at my sister.

She stood there gapping at me as Ike hurried to the back room to pull out his prized turkey which I ended up paying five dollars and sixty cents for. Ike lifted the turkey, "You won't be able to walk this all the way back to wherever you are staying. Want me to give you a ride?"

"I'd be most grateful." I thanked the man as he loaded the turkey into his wagon.

Meredith sat in the back of the wagon, her tired feet dangling happily over the lip of the edge. I smirked at her and hopped into the front seat with Ike. I told him that we where staying with the Fosters, and he immediately was able to locate his way down the right road. At the Fosters farm, we were greeted by Winnie hopping up and down beside her father as she pointed at the giant turkey, "Look how big it is, Papa! Is that for us?!"

Mr. Foster eyed me warily as Ike helped to carry the turkey into the house. He raised an eyebrow at me, "Mr. Muller, you didn't have to go out and get something for dinner."

"Please, just Jack is fine. And I thought it would be a nice treat to have on Christmas Eve." I said, looking happily after the turkey.

"I'll pay you back for it. How much was it?" He asked, fishing around for his wallet.

"Five dollars and sixty cents." I told him, feeling a little vain. His hands froze, and his eyes bulged slightly at the price. I waved at him. "It's my gift to your family. I don't expect any payment."

Mr. Foster looked genuinely surprised and pleased. He squeezed my shoulder, "Thank you Mr....Thank you Jack."

I watched him hurry inside to tell his wife the news about the giant turkey. Mrs. Foster looked at me through the screen door, sufficiently pleased that she would get to prepare such a delicious meal. Once I stepped inside, Etta joined me to the side of the room, watching her mother fawn over the turkey.

"You bought that?" Etta asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.

"Yes." I said, feeling slightly offended that my wife would think me so thoughtless.

"I apologize, I didn't mean for it to sound that way." She rested a gentle hand on my arm, as if realizing my hurt feelings. "I'm just touched by your kindness towards my family."

I warmed slightly at her words, "Thank you."

She nodded, a smile spilling her delicate lips.

I think that meant I had done something right.

......................................................................................................

Dinner that night was delicious and we had plenty of leftover turkey to have for Christmas dinner as well. Winnie was bouncing off of the walls with excitement about her presents, asking what everyone got her. Everyone was tight lipped.

"It'll ruin the surprise." Mr. Foster kissed his daughter gently on the forehead.

Winnie huffed and turned to me, eyes bright, "What did you get me?"

"I believe Etta already gave you my gift when she got to the train station. Or so she told me." I crossed my arms, willing to play her little game.

She leaned her little hands on my knees, leaning towards me with intimidation in her eyes, "Yes but I didn't open it because I knew you were going to show up for Christmas. Tell me what it is."

"Oh, it's just some socks I found at the store." I finally replied.

Her eyes narrowed, "You're lying."

"What if I'm not?" I teased.

"That'd be a terrible gift!" Winnie exclaimed.

"Winnie!" John scolded.

I ignored her brother's remark and smirked, "Well. I guess you won't know until tomorrow if it's really just socks or not. My lips are sealed."

Winnie groaned and gave up to go play with her dolls in the living room. With the topic of gifts brought up, I figured I might as well mention that I didn't get any of them anything for Christmas.

"I do apologize, but as I came here last minute, I'm afraid I didn't get any gifts for any of you." I laughed, awkwardly rubbing the back of my neck.

Mr. Foster looked appalled, "Young man, you just bought my family one or two weeks worth of dinner. That's plenty enough of a gift."

I smiled at his reply, feeling relieved. When I glanced at Etta, though, I noticed she looked slightly disappointed. She probably thought I hadn't bought her a gift.

Good.

It would make the surprise all the more better.

Copyright © 2017 by Rosanna Parker

All Rights Reserved

I would try to make a nice little authors note, but it's getting late and I'm exhausted. So please just remember to vote and comment for me!

-Rosanna