The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 23- Etta

As soon as I stepped of the train, I was bombarded by my family. Winnie was bouncing up and down, talking a mile a minute and my mother was currently squishing me into a tight hug, the scent of fresh baked bread from her hair and clothes filling my senses.

"I wish you didn't live so far away." My mother kissed my cheek.

"I'm glad to be back so soon after Christmas. I have so much to tell you." I grasped her arms.

My mother's eyes drifted over my shoulder and smiled when she saw Meredith, "Miss Muller! Im so glad to see you came along to stay!"

"Mother, Meredith is going to have a baby," I began to explain. "She wanted to come somewhere more comfortable than the city and I know you are one of the best mid-wife's around."

"I hope I'm not impeding." Meredith explained hurriedly, a stressed look marring her pretty features.

My mother grabbed her hands and pulled her into a hug, "Of course not, you are always welcome to stay here with us. What about your husband?"

Meredith turned her frightened gaze to me, clearly unsure of how to respond. I rested my hand on mother's arm, "Meredith's husband had to stay in the city for work. But she will be returning to him after the baby is born." I lied easily.

Meredith released a breath and nodded, "Yes, he couldn't make it."

"I do hope to meet him sometime." My mother insisted.

"Of course." I said, leading her away from the station. I switched topics to draw attention off of an anxious looking Meredith. "So what has Papa been busy with recently?"

"Oh the usual. Fixing wagon wheels and fences."

I looped my arm through hers, "And everyone is in good health?"

Winnie nodded at me, "Yeah except John had the flu this winter."

"Oh is he doing better now?" I inquired, worry settling in my stomach into a heavy knot.

"He could be better." My mother said simply, but I could see the worry on her face that mirrored my own.

John was a strong man,  but my family didn't have the money for medicine or expensive medical care.

"And I hope you and Jack are well, especially after that horrible accident you were in. I do also apologize Etta, for not being able to make it out to you after the fire happened." My mother squeezed my hand, looking completely sincere and guilty.

"Mama, it's alright. I had Jack and Meredith with me." I smiled.

"She was strong in recovery." Meredith assured my mother.

"We were all so worried and your father tried to get enough money for a train ticket...but the prices were so high during that time of year..." My mothers voice wavered as she held back tears. A few managed to escape and she turned her head to hide them.

I stopped walking and wrapped both my arms around her, "I know you would've been there if you could have. Do not worry over me. I have a wonderful husband and amazing sister-in-law who took care of me when I was in pain."