Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 735

The Bradford estate boasted a man-made lake, its surface dotted with water lilies that hadn't yet bloomed this season. Despite their flowers remaining closed, the green stems stood tall and proud, and the overlapping leaves painted a picturesque scene. A quaint, vintage gazebo had been constructed at the heart of the lake, adding to the charm.

Tarquin, having pulled Elysia away from the noisy crowd, sprinted with her all the way to this secluded spot. Now, they stood alone under the gazebo, the only two souls in this tranquil haven.

Elijah, ever the observant one, had wrapped up his duties with a flourish and instructed the driver to return them to the hospital to find Elliot and Emmett, leaving his parents some much-needed alone time. He understood that they had a lot to discuss, some issues that needed to be conclusively addressed today.

A gentle breeze stirred the water lilies, their leaves rustling in the wind, a soft background to Tarquin and Elysia's heavy breathing.

Elysia's breaths came in short gasps, not from any emotional turmoil but simply because Tarquin had grabbed her hand and dashed from the house, running so fast and for such a distance that she was nearly spent!

And Tarquin? His breathlessness was not from the physical exertion but from the overwhelming shock of the day's revelations. His heart raced with excitement, his blood boiled with anticipation, and every nerve in his body was alive with an electrifying energy. He was so thrilled he could barely contain himself, yet also terrified it was all an illusion.

The surprise of finding out the three little ones were his own made him ecstatic yet fearful that it might all be a dream. The reality had struck him so unexpectedly that he struggled to believe it.

"Elysia, hit me!" Tarquin looked at her, his body tense with anticipation.

Elysia, puzzled by his request, couldn't understand his excitement nor his bizarre demand. "Why on earth should I hit you?"

"I need to know if it hurts, to see if I'm dreaming!" he explained.

With a roll of her eyes and a slight pout, Elysia pinched him, asking, "Does it hurt?"

"Yes!"