Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1464

The music stopped. Elysia said, “First, for your parents, happy birthday. You can make a wish and blow out the candles now.”

Tarquin was stunned. She was playing the song because of his parents... Overwhelmed with emotion, he closed his eyes, made a wish as she’d asked, and blew out the candles.

As soon as he did, Elysia lit them again. “Next is from me, my parents, and the kids.”

The music started again, but this time it was a proper happy birthday song. It was a chorus of Elysia, Clayton, Pamela, and the little ones. “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...”

The moment the music began, Tarquin couldn’t help but smile, his mood completely different from a moment ago. The melody was solemn and serious. This chorus was joyful and boisterous—more chaotic than a bus full of kindergarteners on a sugar high. Elysia and the kids belted out the song in a wonderfully chaotic chorus—voices overlapping, completely out of sync, and happily entirely off-key.

When the song ended, they each chimed in with a ‘happy birthday.’

Elysia held the small cake and smiled. “Happy birthday, honey. Quick, make another wish and blow out the candles.”

Tarquin was speechless. It was the first time he’d ever had to make two wishes and blow out candles twice for one birthday. But if she was teasing him, he was happy to play along.

Tarquin closed his eyes again, made another wish, and blew out the candles. The instant they were out, Elysia said, “Close your eyes.”

Tarquin narrowed his eyes. “What for?”

Elysia: “Just listen to me.”

He smiled and obediently closed his eyes. Elysia waved a hand in front of his face. Tarquin chuckled. “Even with my eyes closed, I can feel your hand there. Don't worry, I can’t see you. It’s so dark in here I can’t see you even with my eyes open.”

Elysia pulled her hand back. “Turn around.”

Tarquin sighed and complied, turning his back to her. He heard some rustling behind him and sensed that Elysia had gone into the walk-in closet, but he had no idea what she was doing.

Minutes ticked by... Tarquin lost track of how long he’d been waiting, and Elysia still hadn’t come out.

He couldn’t help but ask, “Honey?”

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