The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 36- Jack

I pulled on a heavy pair of wool socks before padding downstairs to the kitchen where Mrs. Foster was busy scrambling eggs for breakfast. She looked over her shoulder when she heard me come in and pointed to a letter on the edge of the counter top.

"A letter just came in for you from New York." She said.

I froze at her words, but I quickly forced a smile, trying not to show how those words affected me, "Thanks. Does it say who it's from?" I asked, even though I knew exactly who sent it.

She looked at it quizzically, "Now that you mention it, there isn't. There isn't even a return address."

"Alright. Maybe it says who it's from in the letter." I said casually slipping it into my pocket.

I didn't think he would write me so soon, and I hoped I wouldn't have to talk to him for years. I stepped out onto the back porch and carefully pulled out the letter with trembling fingers.

The seal popped open with ease and the letter slid out into my hand.

Jack

James is back. Return to Manhattan as soon as possible.

A. M.

I crumbled the letter in my fist, trying to keep my temper under control. I couldn't believe he had the guts to ask me back. Returning to that kind of life....I didn't want to be apart of it anymore. And I especially didn't want Etta to find out.

I jumped when Etta peeked her head out of the back door, "Jack, breakfast is ready."

"I'll be in, in a minute." I said, shoving the note in my pocket.

She studied my face for an uncomfortable moment, "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah." I scratched my head. "I'm just a little tired is all."

"Okay." She said, still looking concerned.

I came to the door and clasped her hand comfortingly. "Really, it's nothing."

Her face relaxed a little, "Let's go eat."

I followed her into the kitchen, trying to ignored the note in my pocket but it felt like a heavy weight, pulling me down.

I knew I was going to have to tell Etta eventually. If I didn't go, they would come for me and I didn't want my wife to be stuck in the crossfire.

A/N
I know that my chapters have been ridiculously short but I've been soooo busy with school and I don't have much time to write. I try to keep it interesting, what little I do write.

So who do you think wrote the letter?? James is Jack's brother by the way, he was referenced in a past chapter.

Have a wonderful week!

As Always
Stay Awesome Possums
Rosanna🌵🌺🌸