The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 10- Jack

I woke up to a loud knocking at the front door the next morning.  I groaned, rolling out of my tangled sheets.  After pulling on a robe, I hurried to the front door and was surprised to find Annie already letting herself in, her toddler resting on her hip.  She kicked the door shut, "Mornin'. Where's Etta?"

"Still sleeping." I said, running a tired hand down my face. "I would be too if I didn't have obnoxious neighbors knocking at my door early in the morning."

Annie rolled her eyes and shoved her son at me, "Watch Elliot for me. I'll get Etta up."

"Annie, let her sleep. She's had a rough day." I said, grabbing her arm to stop her charging in on my wife.

Annie shook herself from my grip, "What she needs is some motivation. Now, I'll be right back."

I turned my attention to Elliot as he tried to grab at my nose.  I sighed and settled down in a chair in the kitchen, bouncing him up and down on my knee, "Are you tired, little guy?  I am too."

Elliot screeched, hitting my chest.  I grabbed his little hand, stopping his assaults, "You're probably hungry as well.  What to small tykes like you typically eat?"

Elliot began chewing on the ties of my robe.  I pulled it away from his mouth, "Surely not clothing. That can't be yummy.  What about a banana? That's probably soft enough."

I got up, settling Elliot against my hip as I attempted peeling a banana one handed.  I tore off a small bite sized piece and gave it to Elliot who gladly excepted his breakfast.  I ruffled his soft head of brown curls, "You like that, huh?"

I heard giggling from the doorway and turned to see Annie and Etta watching me.  Annie came over and gathered Elliot into her arms and said, "Etta thinks you and Elliot look cute together."

Etta swatted her friend's arm, who was laughing.  Her face was slightly pink with embarrassment. I leaned against the counter top, studying Etta. She definitely looked significantly better than yesterday, and today she could walk around, even if it was a stiff and awkward motion.  

"You're looking better." I said.

I feel better. She wrote.

"What about your throat?" I asked hopefully.

She shook her head, looking at Annie who gave her a small smile.  She gave Elliot another small piece of banana, "Etta's throat will need a significant amount of time to heal.  But I have hope in her.  She'll get better." Annie wiped her son's messy face before turning to address us both. "Now.  I have a proposition for you.  Elliot's old nanny had to leave recently and I need someone to watch him while I'm running the bakery with George.  I was wondering if you could watch him for me. I'll pay you of course."

Etta nodded eagerly, but I was already shaking my head, "Annie, can we talk outside for a moment?"

"Yes.  Etta, keep an eye on Elliot for me, alright dear?" Annie patted her friend's shoulder.

Once we stepped outside, I said, "You know that Etta can't watch over him! Not if she can barely take care of herself right now!"

"Jack, listen to me. Etta's in pain right now. Physically and emotionally.  Elliot can help her just as much as she can him. It'll be good for her." Annie explained. "It will make her feel useful instead of sitting around all day, alone, just like how it always used to be. She hated that."

"What do you mean, like it used to be?" I asked in confusion.

Annie rolled her eyes, "Oh don't act like you don't know! When you first got married, you always left her alone at the house and she would come down to the bakery, upset and desperate for attention.  You've got to stop neglecting her, Jack.  She's your wife.  Take care of her."

I felt slightly ashamed at Annie's words, but I didn't let it show.  Instead, I simply nodded, "Alright. I guess he can stay for now. Just until you get a new nanny."

"Good. Now, I've got to get down to the bakery and I'm already running late. Tell Etta I said thanks!" she called over her shoulder as she hustled down to the sidewalk.

I stepped inside, endeared by the sight before me.  Etta was holding a sleeping Elliot in her arms, and she had fallen back asleep as well.  I gently kissed her forehead before gathering my things for work.  I was worried slightly that Etta might not be able to handle Elliot while I was gone, but I needed to trust her.  Annie believed she could do it, and so would I.

Copyright © 2017 by Rosanna Parker

All Rights Reserved

Hey Wattpadders! Here's another chapter for you! I know that its shorter than my typical chapters, but I figured it was a good note to leave it on.  Also, I will always appreciate any comments you leave and of course any votes!  Have a lovely day!

-Rosanna