The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 31- Meredith

The next morning, I forced myself out of bed and combed my thick curls into a loose braid, trying to get the frizzy strands away from my face. I stood up to leave my room and winced at the pain in my back. I thought about getting dressed, but ended up just wrapping my robe rightly around myself.

Ever since I had gotten pregnant, everything has become twice as difficult to do. My stomach was becoming large and round, and it was obvious what kind of state I was in.

I made my way carefully down stairs and outside to the back porch. I saw John was already sitting there, waiting for me. I smiled at him and took a seat in the rocking chair beside him, waiting for the beautiful sun to come rising up above the trees.

Every morning, John would sit outside with me and we would talk quietly until the house finally woke up and we were forced to go and join the family for breakfast.

"Good morning." His deep, raspy voice greeted me.

"Good morning." I said, pulling my bare feet under me as I rocked back in the chair. I studied his face, noticing some color had returned. "You're looking much better today."

"I'm feeling a lot better. The fresh air and talking to you does me good." He clasped her hand in his.

I blushed slightly, "That's good."

We sat there in a comfortable quiet, watching the sun inch its way further up into the sky. John squeezed my hand tightly, "Do you think your husband will come to visit us?"

Husband? I looked at him in confusion. Then I remembered, I hadn't told him yet that that had been a lie, a cover up to hide the fact I was pregnant out of wedlock.

I pulled my hand away from his, tucking them into my lap, "John..." I took a deep breath. "I haven't been completely honest with you."

He remained facing forward, unable to meet my gaze. A lock of his blonde hair had fallen over his eyes, and I so desperately wanted to brush it away with my hand, but I refrained myself. I clasped my hands tighter together, my nails digging into my soft flesh. They were definitely going to leave a few angry red marks on my palms.

"About what?" He finally asked, sounding unsure on if he wanted to know.

"I told everyone that my husband is still living in New York right now because of work, but that isn't true." I forced out the words, my voice shaking as much as her my were.

John laid a soothing hand on my arm, finally looking at me with the same warm, brown eyes he shared with his sister's, "Meredith, you don't have to be afraid. You can tell me anything."

I nodded, take a deep breath to calm my nerves. I avoided his gaze as I spoke, "I'm not married."

He paused a beat, "What do you mean? Did he pass away?"

I shook my head stiffly, "No. I'm not married and I never was."

"But you're pregnant." He said, as if the idea hadn't quite revealed itself to him.

"I know." I looked into his eyes, worried at what I would find there.

I thought he would be furious with me, or maybe even disgusted. But I only found deep compassion and sympathy in his gaze.

"That must be very difficult for you." He said.

I let out a shaky breath, turning away from his beautiful eyes. The sun was beginning to rise above the trees, casting the house in a soft glow.

"It can be, sometimes." I admitted.

"Then, I will make sure that you and the baby will be safe. You can obviously stay here with my family." John offered, looking hopefully.

My breath caught. He wanted me to stay? "I don't know if I can, John."

"Why not?" He asked, looking hurt.

"Your family won't want me here after they've learned the truth." I said, looking down at my lap.

John's fingers found mine and tangled themselves in my hand, clasping it firmly, "Then marry me, so that you will have a father for the baby."

"I can't ask you to do that for me."

"I care about you and that baby, Meredith. I want to help you." He said softly, slipping his finger under my chin and tilting my head to meet his intense gaze. "I mean it."

"But your family-"

"They will still love you, Meredith. Everyone makes mistakes, but the wonderful thing is that they can be forgiven." He smiled.

"Thank you." I whispered.

A/N
Sorry for the late update! I always try to update in the morning, but I was at the fair all day and totally forgot!

Anyways, I felt like our precious Meredith deserved a chapter because she is just as important to this story as anyone else. What did you think of it? Would you want more chapters from her point of view later on as well?

Shout outs go to:
@movienut
@mommywolf2
@ameeshakishu
@Anita101989
@chineze1
@elidahppoy
@uglyromantic
@LyssaLumgair
@DoloresCunningham
@Justsmile1001

You all are so amazing and I seriously couldn't do this without your support, so thank you so much for loving and reading my story!!

Want a shout out? All you have to do is tap that little star in the corner and vote and/or leave a lovely little comment! I try my best to catch everyone I can, so sorry if I didn't get you this time!

As Always
Stay Awesome Possums
Rosanna🌵🌸🌺