Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1594

Walter’s smile widened. He really, really liked Evan. In both talent and personality, Evan was like a combination of him and Bernard. You could see a bit of Bernard in him, and a bit of himself, too. When the kid grew up… hell, he didn't even need to grow up. Give him another ten years, and he’d definitely be more formidable than both Walter and Bernard combined. After all, when you combine two powerhouses, the result is bound to be even stronger. “Evan, take a look at this new weapon design.” Evan glanced at it. “It’s a prototype?” “Yeah, not finished yet. Any thoughts?” Evan tilted his little head, studying it intently. After a moment, he said, “What if you added a pair of retractable wings? The wings could let it fly, but they could also turn into paddles to move through the water. What do you think?” Walter narrowed his eyes. “Interesting idea, but very difficult to implement. The materials you’d need for flight are completely different from what you’d need for water.” Evan replied, “Difficult doesn’t mean impossible. Here’s what I was thinking…” The two of them were deep in discussion when Bernard returned, finally ending their brainstorming session. Not seeing the scarred old man, Evan asked curiously, “Bernard, where’s great-uncle?” Bernard said, “He’s still pretty down. He wanted to be alone for a while, so he didn’t come back with me.” Evan looked worried. “Should I go keep him company?” Bernard smiled and shook his head. “No need. This is something he has to work through on his own. No one else can help. Don’t worry about him. He’ll be fine by tomorrow morning.” Elliot heard the voices and came out of Gerald’s room. Tears stung Elliot’s eyes the second he saw Bernard, and he had to clench his jaw to keep from breaking down. “Bernard.” Bernard sent Evan to go get the old lady for dinner, then he walked over to Elliot and patted his head. “You know everything, don’t you? It’s okay, my boy. Don’t be sad.” Elliot threw himself into Bernard’s arms, sobbing quietly. “…” Bernard comforted him. “Of all you kids, you’re the smartest, the calmest, and the most rational. I don’t need to give you a long speech; you already understand.” “I just want to tell you this: Elliot, you are the best big brother in the world. I have no doubt that with you leading them, Evan, Emmett, Elijah, and the baby will all have happy, healthy lives full of sunshine.” “Having you is a blessing for your four siblings, a blessing for Elysia and your father, and a blessing for us old-timers.” “Because of you, we can leave this world in peace, knowing that as long as Elliot is here, everything will be okay.” Elliot cried harder, a thousand words stuck in his throat. In the end, he only managed to say one thing. “I’ll take care of Evan and great-uncle Jeremy. I’ll take care of Mom, and I’ll take care of Great-grandma, Quincy, and Walter.” Bernard smiled. “I’ll hold you to that promise. And if you want to keep it, you have to take care of yourself first. You can only take care of others if you’re okay yourself.” “Okay!” Seeing Evan coming back from the old lady’s cabin, Bernard wiped the tears from Elliot’s face. “Keep this a secret for me, for now. I don’t want Evan to know so soon.” Elliot sniffled hard. “…Okay.” That night, both Elliot and Evan insisted on sleeping with Bernard. Evan, oblivious to the situation, spent the time before bed telling Bernard jokes. The old man and the little boy took turns, their laughter echoing in the small room. The more they laughed, the more Elliot’s heart ached. He hid under the covers, crying silent tears. He was terrified that Bernard would suddenly be gone, and he worried that Evan wouldn’t be able to handle the truth when he found out. … The scarred old man didn't return that night. He came back at dawn the next day. After a night of wrestling with his grief, he had accepted the reality of the situation and was much calmer. For a while after that, life was peaceful. Every day, Evan would follow Bernard into the mountains to practice, with the scarred man trailing them at every step. The old lady remained in her lab, studying the 8th-generation virus, while Walter was holed up in his room, working on his new fighter jet designs. Quincy spent his time writing and drawing, and also took on the role of chef.