Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1681

Baby rushed forward and threw her arms around Elliot.

Holding her close, Elliot’s face softened with affection. “Evan and I missed you too, Baby.”

He then looked up, nodding a greeting to Tarquin, Emmett, and Elijah.

Tarquin had already heard the news on the way back, so seeing Elliot and Evan wasn't a surprise. It just broke his heart.

Bernard’s passing had hit the two boys incredibly hard.

It was their first time facing the death of a loved one, and it had happened while he and Elysia were away.

“Mom…” Emmett and Elijah said, looking at Elysia and Evan with concern.

Elysia wiped her tears, then gently wiped Evan’s away too.

“No more crying,” she said softly. “You’ve been gone for so long, and we’ve missed you like crazy. We should be happy now that you’re back.”

Baby pulled away from Elliot and tugged on the hem of Evan’s shirt, looking up at him with a pout. “Evan…”

Evan took a deep breath and managed a watery smile. “I’m okay, little sis. I just missed you all so much.”

He scooped Baby up and spun her around a couple of times. “Did you miss me?”

Baby nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes! I missed you a ton!”

Evan chuckled. “I brought you a present.”

Baby’s eyes lit up. “What kind of present?”

“I’ll go get it for you,” Evan said, then glanced at Emmett and Elijah. “And I’ve got something for you two, as well.”

As the kids ran over to the couch to see their gifts, Elysia stood up and took a deep breath.

The truth was, he had returned to protect Quincy Walter and the old woman. With Bernard gone, the mountains had lost their guardian. Even though the remaining elders were formidable in their own right, it wasn't enough. The old man’s return meant he was taking over Bernard’s post. He had searched for Bernard for most of his life, only to find him and lose him two months later. The pain in his heart was indescribable. Returning to the mountains, taking up Bernard’s duties, and living the life Bernard had lived was his way of coping with the grief and longing. After dropping the children off, he had immediately turned back. He called Tarquin to let him know and to entrust him with Evan’s care. Evan was the person he and Bernard loved most in this world. He was their hope. Bringing justice to the Warner name and reclaiming their legacy now rested entirely on Evan’s shoulders.

Elysia didn't suspect a thing. She sighed. “Well, maybe it’s for the best that he’s there with him. They’re getting older; they can look out for each other. Is he feeling completely better now?”

Tarquin nodded. “He is. Since the kids are back, how about a big celebration dinner tonight?”

“Yes! I’ll cook.”

Tarquin smiled. “Great. I’ll let you get to it. I have some work to take care of, but I’ll come help when I’m done.”

“Don’t worry about it. Go do what you need to do.”

Elysia glanced over at the children, a smile gracing her lips, before turning and heading to the kitchen.

Tarquin called Elliot into the study for a private conversation. “Was the journey back okay?”