Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1687

"Is it just you and Evan going?"

"Elliot and Elijah want to go too. I haven't decided whether to bring them along."

"...What are they going for?"

"Just to tag along for the fun."

Elysia was speechless.

Tarquin kissed her forehead again, reassuring her. "Don't worry. We're going to Thyania, not directly to Mariana Land. I wouldn't take the kids if I wasn't absolutely sure it was safe. Besides, even though this tournament is organized by the Thyanian Martial Arts Association, the Thyanian government is taking it very seriously. They've been working on security for a while now."

Elysia let out a long breath. "I support the kids chasing their dreams, but only if their safety is guaranteed. Thyania is too close to Mariana Land, and there's no real border between them. It's almost like one country. And those scam compounds in Mariana Land... it's not just scams, it's kidnapping and murder! It's too dangerous!"

"Don't be afraid," Tarquin comforted her. "I'll have bodyguards with us when I take the kids. You can rest easy."

If the scam rings dared to kidnap them while he was there, they truly had a death wish.

Elysia knew how capable Tarquin was and let out another breath. "As long as you can ensure their safety. Winona should be back around New Year's, and I want to stay in Jindale City to wait for her. I don't want to travel."

"You don't have to go," Tarquin said. "You're not interested in martial arts tournaments anyway. You stay here and wait for Winona. I'll take Evan."

...

Time flew by, and soon it was the end of December. The tournament was about to begin. The night before they left, Punikun's grandfather contacted Tarquin again, as if worried he might not show up.

Tarquin's eyes narrowed. "Accept."

He had come specifically for Punikun's grandfather, so of course he wouldn't refuse a meeting.

As Lowell went to return the call, Evan said to Tarquin, "Dad, I have to go to the registration desk this afternoon to check in, so I won't be with you."

They had agreed before coming that Evan would compete anonymously to avoid any connection to Tarquin. This was to prevent the media exposure from affecting his normal life later on.

Tarquin nodded. "First, call your mom and let her know you're safe. Then grab a bite to eat before you head out."

"Okay, okay."