The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 27- Etta

The next morning, I woke up, feeling a heavy arm draped around my waist. I turned over to find my husband's sleeping face, his hair tussled into a mess of curls. I ran my fingers through his hair, smiling when he finally woke up.

"That feels good." He yawned as I continued to stoke his hair. "And how is your morning so far, love?"

"Wonderful." I kissed his cheek.

He groaned, blinking at the sunlight streaming through the window, "Would you object to staying up here all day with me?"

"No. But we can't." I sighed, yanking the tangled sheets from around my legs.

Jack grumbled, burying himself further into the sheets as I got dressed for the day. I pulled my hair up into a tight chignon and tugged on my boots.

I went over to Jack's side of the bed, hitting him with my pillow, "Wake up Jack."

"It's too early." He held out his hands, stopping my attacks.

"You won't get to eat any of my mother's pancakes if you're late." I said.

That got him out of bed quicker than I could blink. I shook my head at his fanatics and left to go help Mama with breakfast as Jack got ready.

"Good morning." I smiled as I entered the kitchen, kissing my mother's cheek in greeting.

"Good morning, Etta." She smiled, busy with mixing the pancake batter. "Would you be a dear and start frying up that plate of bacon?"

"Sure." I pulled out a cast iron pan and started a fire in the stove.

The scent of the bacon cooking must have been enough to finally bring everyone out of hiding. Winnie was bouncing around the room, her shoes already caked in mud from running around outside. John was sitting at the table with father and Jack, looking slightly better than he had last night. Meredith was sitting in the corner silently, trying to not look sick. I hoped her morning sickness would get better soon enough. It had to be a pain to get sick at the sight of food each and every morning.

Finally, the food was ready and Ma and I set up the table. Pa began the prayer once we had all taken a seat, "Dear Lord, we thank you for the plentiful food you have blessed us with. I thank you for my family and the love that surrounds us daily. In Jesus's name Amen."

"Amen." We all repeated, digging in to Ma's famous pancakes.

"Etta, your mother and I have been discussing about your current living quarters." My father said around a mouthful of bacon. I looked up at him curiously. He nodded to Jack and I. "We would like it if you moved back in with us. There's plenty of room here. Besides, I need the help on the farm, and Jack could lend a hand. I would be able to pay you a good day's wage." He said to Jack.

Jack turned to me expectantly, "What do you think, love?"

I blushed at his nickname, surprised he wanted my final opinion, "You're willing to give up your job with the newspaper?"

"Sure. Besides, the air out here is more fresh and clean, and it's quiet." Jack shrugged.

"And Meredith could stay here with us as well?" I asked, glancing at an uncomfortable looking Meredith.

"What about her husband?" Ma asked. She turned Meredith, who was already blushing fiercely. "Wouldn't you much rather stay with him?"

Meredith shook her head, frantic to come up with a quick excuse, "He is too busy with work to take care of me."

"Oh." My mother patted Meredith's arm consolingly. "Well, we would love to have all of you here."

"And we would love to stay." I smiled at my family.

And so it was settled. Jack and I would be heading back to our apartment to pack up what few things we owned before returning here. Meredith was to stay behind, since she was unfit to travel.

My mother pulled me aside after breakfast to speak alone together, "It really means a lot to your father that you are staying here. With John not having recovered too well, he could really use Jack's help."

I grasped my mother's arm, "How is John, Ma? I'm worried about him."

Her face was white with anxiety, lines of worry creasing her face, but she forced a smile, "I'm hoping he will get better."

"I hope so too." I agreed.

A/N

School has been crazy but I wrote two chapters for you all! Please enjoy them and I apologize for the long wait each week. I've been power reading through a few literature books for my Literature class and it's just been crazy all around.

Shout outs for this chapter belong to:
@areyes59
@edge-lord
@talamoredo
@nikolettaSt
@GrlAnon
@Stacey_8
@kkukuk

I love y'all so much and really appreciate all the support you have given me with this story! I couldn't do it without you guys!

Want a shout out from me? Just vote or comment something lovely down below and I'll try to catch you next time!

As Always
Stay Awesome Possums
Rosanna Parker🌵🌺🌸