Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 997

Elysia took a deep breath at the rest area, gazing at the steps ahead and said, "Legend has it that each of the 108 steps represents one of life's troubles. Climbing a step signifies entering a new phase and shedding a worry."

Emmett, tilting his head, asked, "So, if we climb all 108 steps, does that mean we'll be free of worries forever?"

Elysia chuckled, "Exactly."

The kids immediately called out to Baby, "Baby, come on down! We'll climb it together, and then no more worries."

"Okay!" Baby wiggled her little legs, "Daddy, daddy, let me go with Lan."

Tarquin, with a loving expression, let his little girl down.

Evan took the lead, Elliot watched their back, and Elijah and Emmett stood by Baby's sides, each holding one of her hands, guiding their sister up the steps.

Watching the loving scene of the five kids, Elysia's eyes brimmed with happiness.

She reached for Tarquin's hand, "Even with Mom gone, I'm here for you. I'll be by your side through all seasons, for the rest of our lives."

Tarquin turned to her, gently tucking a stray hair behind her ear and gripping her hand tightly, "That's a promise, for a lifetime!"

"Yes, a promise!"

They smiled at each other, their fingers interlocked, stepping onto the staircase together.

Climbing those 108 steps together, they aimed to leave behind all troubles and welcome a new chapter of happiness.

The ceremony wasn't complex, but it was time-consuming.

It was nearly noon when it ended, and Elysia and Tarquin met with Master Cloud, asking for his help in guiding Elizabeth's spirit.

Leaving Compassion Abbey, it was already afternoon.

At the base of the hill, while Elysia was in the restroom, Evan sneakily spoke to Tarquin, "Dad, we're good brothers, right?"

Tarquin: "…I'm your father."

"I know, but... just tell me you love me, okay?"

Tarquin squinted, "Spit it out, what's on your mind?"

Evan assured him confidently, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. If you don't help me, our 'ship of friendship' might just sink."

Tarquin: "…" Such a fragile ship.

"I'll help you, but your bodyguard must accompany you."

"Fine, fine, I'm off." Evan ran off.

When Elysia returned, noticing the kids were gone, Tarquin quickly explained, "Lowell took them back first. We'll take another car; I've got something to talk to you about."

With the kids out of sight, Elysia didn't dwell on Evan's absence.

Trusting Lowell with the children, she didn't think much of it.

As they got into the car, Elysia asked, "What did you want to talk about?"

Tarquin glanced at her, started the car, and pondered how to broach the topic of the Hawkins family.