Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1435

Elysia held him close, her voice soft and soothing.

“Everyone’s singing your parents’ praises now. The government’s cleared their names. They can finally rest in peace—and so can you. You don’t have to worry anymore.”

Tarquin responded, his voice muffled by her shoulder.

“Finding Mom’s ashes and laying her to rest beside Dad, with everyone watching… That’s been my dream for years. Now it’s real. I’m happy, really. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Elysia’s heart ached for him. She gently patted his back.

After a quiet moment, she called to him, “Honey?”

“Yeah?”

“Your birthday’s coming up.”

Tarquin opened his eyes, lifting his lashes to look at her. “And?”

“You’ll be staying at the old house these days, right?”

“Not for the whole time. If anything urgent comes up, just call me.”

Elysia smiled. “Well, while you’re there, make sure you eat well and get plenty of sleep. When your birthday comes, I’ve got a huge surprise for you. Sound good?”

Tarquin’s eyes narrowed playfully. “How huge are we talking?”

Elysia grinned, making it sound even more dramatic. “Super, super huge.”

Tarquin chuckled. “Can you tell me now?”

Elysia shook her head right away.

“Of course not! If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise! And I need to see how you behave. If you’re good, you get your present. If not, no surprise this year.”

He laughed again. “Alright, I’ll be good.”

“So now, close your eyes and go to sleep. Be a good boy.”

“…Okay.”

Elysia held him, gently rubbing his back and humming a lullaby, just like she used to when Elliot, Evan, and Emmett were little.

Tarquin was truly exhausted. He fell asleep in no time.

At three-thirty in the morning, he woke up in Elysia’s arms.

Every bit of it radiated love.

Elysia’s little pang of disappointment vanished instantly, replaced by warm, giddy happiness.

She didn’t want to wake him up, so she stretched, got out of bed, and went to make breakfast for the kids.

After breakfast, she dropped them off at preschool, then headed to Tanhe Manor to meet Winona.

She wanted to go shopping with Winona and get everything ready for Tarquin’s birthday.

The security guard at Tanhe Manor recognized her and waved her through as soon as he saw her.

Elysia carried the breakfast she’d brought for Winona, making her way through the neighborhood toward her friend’s house.

“Elysia!”

A familiar voice called out behind her.

Elysia turned and saw Keaton, just getting back from outside.

Beside him stood a stunning young woman—gorgeous, with a sweet smile and curves that turned heads. She looked about twenty.