The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 15-Etta

After I got back from my daily appointment with Dr. Thomas, I went home to make Elliot lunch. I fixed him a jelly sandwich and cut it into bite sized pieces. Annie said he was getting better at being able to eat more solid foods. I just had to avoid anything too crunchy or sticky.

A knock sounded on the door and I left Elliot to answer it. Meredith stood on the other side, looking excited.

"Etta! I'm so glad to see you're okay! Jack wrote me and told me everything!" She threw her arms around me in a hug.

I nodded and patted her back. Meredith stepped in the kitchen, seeing Elliot, "Aw who's this little guy?"

I grabbed my notebook and wrote.

That's Elliot, my friend Annie's son she wants me to watch him while she runs her bakery with her husband. It's just until she finds another nanny.

Meredith smiled, "Well he's a cute little guy." She turned to me finally and handed me a slip of paper. "I came with this recipe I found. I thought maybe we could try it out. It's my grandmother's famous chocolate cake recipe."

What's the occasion? I wrote with confusion.

"Jack's birthday is actually today. I figured he hadn't said anything to you." Meredith explained.

My eyes widened in shock, I haven't gotten him anything!

"That's why I figured we could make the cake for him. And I would gladly go out shopping with you before he gets back." She offered

I hugged her tightly, You're a life saver, Meredith.

"I know." She laughed. "Alright let's get started."

Before we start anything, I need to get someone. Wait here. I wrote, leaving a confused Meredith sitting in my kitchen.

I hurried over to Mrs. Littleton's apartment and knocked. The older woman opened her door, "Can't I just have some peace before I grow old and die?!"

You're already old, ma'am. I laughed.

"Don't remind me." She said grumpily. "What are you here for girly?"

My sister-in-law and I are making a cake for my husband. I began to write.

"Say no more." She joined me outside and followed me to my own apartment.

When she entered the kitchen, she took my apron from its hook and tied it around her waist.

"Who's this?" Meredith asked, getting the flour down from my cupboards.

"I'm the lady who is going to make sure you don't burn down the entire apartment building." Mrs. Littleton said. "You just keep an eye on Elliot there and I'll handle all the work."

"You're in control I guess." Meredith grumbled, clearly not alright with this change in plans.

I touched her shoulder lightly, It'll give us more time to go shopping.

She sighed, "Alright. Let's hurry, though. It's cold out."

Meredith and I are going out. We should be back in a few minutes. I explained to Mrs. Littleton.