Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem ( Elysia and Tarquin)

"Life hasn't always been easy for me," Elysia said softly, running her fingers

through Elijah's hair. "I've had my share of tough breaks. But these years in the

mountains with you, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett? I've been really happy."

Elijah looked troubled, his lips moving like he wanted to say something, but no

sound came out.

"I know the cabin isn't exactly a five-star hotel," Elysia continued, smiling, "but we

have each other. That's what matters most. So, Elijah, don't get all sad thinking

your mom's had it rough, okay?"

She cupped his cheek, her touch gentle. "But I have to say, it means the world to

me that you care so much. It makes me feel even luckier."

Elijah was always the quietest of her boys, a little more reserved than Elliot, Evan,

or Emmett. Still, he leaned into her touch, almost like he was soaking up her

warmth.

Elysia pulled him in for a hug. "I love you, Elijah."

He hugged her back, patting her shoulder like a tiny grown-up. "Love you too,

Mom."

Her heart swelled, and it took her a moment to steady herself before she smiled

again. "We've got another early morning hike tomorrow, so let's get some sleep,

alright?"

Elijah nodded, climbed into bed, and snuggled under the patchwork quilt.

"Goodnight, Mom."

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

She tucked the blanket around him, making sure he was warm, then left for her

own room.

Tarquin was already lying in bed, the lamp casting a soft glow over the room.

Their baby daughter was asleep in her crib, cheeks rosy and peaceful.

Tarquin lifted the covers in invitation. "You took your time."

Elysia didn't answer right away. She

checked on their little girl first, then

slid into bed and curled up against

Tarquin's side, her cheek pressed to

his chest. He wrapped his arms

around her, noticing right away that

something was off.

"What's wrong?" he asked, voice gentle.

Elysia's eyes prickled with tears.

"When I went in to check on the kids,

Elijah was still awake, standing by

the window just... lost in thought.

He's been so worried about me

about how hard things have been

out here. But he never wants to talk

about it."

Tarquin frowned, concern etching his brow. "Is he okay?"

"He's just sensitive. He worries about me, but keeps it all inside."

Elysia took a shaky breath. "Honestly, I feel so lucky. What more could a mom ask

for than kids who care about her so much?"

She looked up at Tarquin, voice soft. "When I first found out I was pregnant, I was

shocked, nervous-honestly, terrified. Choosing to have them, especially with

everything going on, felt like jumping off a cliff without a parachute."

"If one of my friends was in that spot now, I don't know if I'd have the guts to tell

her to go through with it. Raising kids alone is so hard."

She grinned, tears sparkling in her

eyes. "But I got lucky. The boys are

sweet, loving-total angels. Every

time I look at them, I know I made

the right choice. We've been through

so much, and somehow, we ended

up together. My life feels complete."

Tarquin tightened his embrace, resting his chin on her head. "I know I let you

down back then. The pain you've gone through, the tough times-it was all

because of me."

Elysia didn't argue. Instead, she looked up at him, her voice steady. "But this

happiness? It's because of you, too. I'm telling you this to share my gratitude, notnoveldrama

to make you feel guilty."

He understood, pressing a kiss to her hair. "We're going to keep being happy.

Happier every single day."

She smiled, snuggling closer. "Yeah. We will. I know it."

Wrapped in each other's arms, listening to the steady rhythm of their hearts, they

drifted off to sleep.