The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 21-Etta

I bounced Elliot in my knee as Annie sipped her tea at my table. She smiled at her son, "He's grown so fast."

"He is starting to get big." I agreed. I pulled my sleeve from his mouth. "But he won't stop slobbering all over my clothes, so he hasn't gotten too old yet."

Annie laughed at that, "My husband and I are working on that." She rubbed her son's head with affection. "I hope he isn't too much trouble for you. I should find a nanny for him soon."

"I don't mind taking care of him." I hugged Elliot closer, the idea of never seeing this little boy scaring me.

"Not now, but once you have little ones, your hands will be too full for him." Annie pointed out.

I felt my face grow hot as I laughed awkwardly, "I don't know that I'll be having any children."

"Sure you will." Annie smiled.

"Annie, I love children but," I sighed. "With Jack? How do I know he wants that?"

"He's a man, Etta. Of course it's what he wants." Annie smirked at my darkening blush.

"But we haven't...I mean he acts like he doesn't even want me." I shook my head, banishing the thoughts of his soft kisses on my lips. They didn't mean anything.

"Oh he does. He's probably just worried that you don't. You have to give him a little push." Annie winked before setting her mug in the sink. "I have to go, or else I'm gong to be late for the first time in five years."

"I'll see you this evening." I walked her to the door, allowing her to kiss Elliot goodbye before she left.

Annie's words kept running through my head. Would Jack ever want more in our relationship? Did I? Honestly, I was scared. Did I really want to do anything more than kiss Jack? Those thoughts scared me, so I pushed them away and decided to check up on Meredith. 

I was surprised to see her crying quietly to herself, her eyes red and swollen. I settled Elliot on the floor to play with a sock and sat down on the edge of the bed to comfort Meredith.

"Mer, what's wrong?" I stroked her long brown curls away from her face.

"It's too horrible to say." Meredith clenched her fists and sobbed. "I hate myself for it."

"Shhh. It can't be that bad." I shushed her crying. "Come. Tell me what's wrong."

"Please don't hate me." Meredith bit her lip painfully.

"I would never hate you." I stroked her hair reassuringly. "Whatever it is, we can get through it together."

Meredith held her breath for a long moment before speaking, "I'm pregnant."

She had spoken so quietly, I barely heard it.  I squeezed her hand in reassurance, trying to hide my building panic, "You're going to have a baby?"

Meredith nodded, "Yes. I went to see the doctor and he confirmed it."

"Mer, that's wonderful." I smiled. "That must be why you were feeling sick."

Meredith seemed to relax a little, "I'm feeling much better now."

"Would you like me to get you anything?" I asked.