The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 32- Jack

That morning at breakfast, I noticed Meredith looked unusually happy.  She was typically upset from her morning sickness or grumpy from a lack of a good nights rest. 

"I would like to make an announcement," John stood up.

A look of surprise was shared around the table. Mrs. Foster nodded, "What is it?"

From the corner of my vision, I saw Meredith grasped John's wrist, suddenly looking panicked, "Not right now, John."

"Why not? They deserve to know." He asked, looking puzzled.

Meredith shook her head, "I don't want to speak of this in front of everyone." She said, her teeth clenched

"Mer, what's wrong?" Etta reached for my sister's hand.

"Father, can we speak with you?" John asked, ignoring Etta.

"Certainly. Let's step outside." Mr. Foster gestured for them to head out to the porch, looking sadly at his half eaten breakfast.

Mrs. Foster patted his arm reassuringly, "I'll keep it warm on the stove for you." She gathered his plate and headed back to the kitchen, glancing outside with a curious expression.

Etta's brow creased with worry and I reached out, smoothing it with my thumb, "I don't like seeing you upset."

"I'm not upset." She said. "I'm just trying to figure out what's going on."

I leaned back in my chair, stretching my legs, "I have noticed John and Mer have been hanging around each other quite a bit." I winked at her.

She covered her mouth slightly, brown eyes wide with happy surprise, "You don't think-"

"Mmhmmm." I smirked.

Winnie looked between us, sighing, "I still don't understand!"

Etta patted her hand and smiled, "You will know soon enough."

The sound of shouting erupted from outside, and I got up to look out of the window. Etta joined me, grasping my hand in worry, "What in the world-"

John burst into the house, nearly knocking Etta over as he stormed through to the front door. Anger marred his features and his shoulders were tense.

"John?" Etta's voice was cut off as he slammed the front door behind him on his way out.

I shared a look with my wife and she immediately ran outside. The sight that was past the screen door nearly shattered my heart. Meredith knelt on the ground, heart wrenching sobs shaking her entire body. Etta immediately fell to the ground, wrapping her arms around her.

Meredith shoved her away, "Leave me alone!"

I took a slight step back, surprised at the anger radiating off my sister. She loved Etta. Why would she push away her friend?

"Mer-" a look of hurt crossed Etta's face.

"John was going to marry me. We tried to explain to your father that I wasn't married before, but I wanted to atone for my mistakes. I thought he would understand." Meredith hiccuped, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. "And your father," she sneered angrily, tears still streaming down her face. "Told John that he can't marry spoiled goods like me. He said that I'm ruined."