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

Leaping from one rooftop to the next, then springing onto the big oak tree behind the house, the pair vanished into the darkness in no time.

Tarquin: "..."

He was starting to see exactly who Evan took after.

Evan's mannerisms, the way he talked and moved it was almost uncanny. He was just like the old man.

Even their personalities...

There were still a bunch of armed thugs knocked out in the living room, and those two just decided to up and leave-to go have fun, no less.

Talk about nerves of steel!

One was a little kid, the other an old kid, and both of them seemed to crave mischief even more than the other.

Still, watching that old man sweep Evan up and sprint away with such speed, Tarquin had to admit, he was impressed.

He'd grown up learning to handle himself, and he could tell-the old man was something else.

Honestly, even if he and Axel teamed up, they'd stand no chance in a fair fight.

If Tarquin faced him alone, he wouldn't last ten moves before getting hurt. If things got serious, he wouldn't make it out alive.

Tarquin frowned, watching the direction the old man and Evan had disappeared, then finally let out a long breath.

There's always someone better out there no matter how tough you think you are. There's no "best," just "better."

But with the old man watching over Evan, Tarquin knew he didn't need to worry. Evan would be fine.

He turned toward Elysia and Tracey.

Tracey had stopped crying and was now bent over, chatting quietly with Elliot and Emmett.

Until now, Tarquin's attention had been entirely on Evan and the old man. Now, he really looked at Tracey for the first time.

She looked...familiar.

He took another glance and his heart skipped a beat, shock flooding his face.

She was...

Tracey, sharp as ever, caught his stare and looked up at him.

Tarquin gazed at her weathered face. Usually, he kept his emotions in check, but now he was visibly stunned.

Surprise. Disbelief. Even a little fear.

Tracey narrowed her eyes. "..."

Elysia quickly wiped her tears and stepped in to introduce them.

"Grandma, this is my husband-Elliot and Evan's father. Tarquin, this is Grandma."

Tracey eyed Tarquin up and down for a long moment, then scowled.

She let out a dismissive snort, her tone frosty. "So you're Elysia's so-called husband who can't be bothered to step up?"

Elysia: "...Grandma."

"Don't you defend him! Calling him irresponsible is being generous! His wife and kids nearly got killed, and as their husband and father, that's on him-no excuses!"

Elysia tugged at Tracey's cardigan, trying to reason with her. "He didn't know I was pregnant before, he "

Tracey cut her off, waving a hand.

"You're too soft-hearted, always making excuses. Whatever the reason, the fact is, he failed to protect you and the kids. He didn't do his job as husband or father!"

Tarquin stared at Tracey, finally snapping out of his shock.

He didn't get angry-instead, he took the scolding with humility.

"You're right, Grandma. I let Elysia down, and I let the kids down. I promise, I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to them."

Tracey's tone stayed ice-cold.noveldrama

"If you're good to my Elysia, I'll let you call me Grandma. Otherwise, you're just another enemy to this old lady!"

Sensing the tension, Elysia quickly tried to smooth things over, clinging to Tracey's arm. “Grandma, please..."

Tarquin bowed his head respectfully. "I understand."

Tracey finally softened, just a bit.

"My Elysia's been through enough. Treat her right, or you'll have me to answer to! And don't think just because I'm old it'd be hard for me to deal with you!"

Tarquin knew Tracey's harsh words came from a place of love for Elysia and the kids.

He also knew she wasn't bluffing.

Because now, he'd recognized her for who she really was.

If she wanted to leave him crippled-or dead-she could do it in the blink of an

eye.