Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem ( Elysia and Tarquin)

If the device containing the virus got smashed, things would get even worse!

Tarquin gently pressed the top of her head. "I know."

By the time the two of them got home, it was already past midnight.

Clayton was still awake, sitting on the living room couch reading a financial magazine.

When he saw them come in, he quickly got up. "Hey, you're back!"

Elysia blinked. "Dad, you're still up?"

"Couldn't sleep," he admitted.

The truth was, he'd been worried about his daughter and was waiting for her.

"So, did you manage to sort things out?"

Elysia didn't want Clayton to worry, so she nodded. “Yeah, it's all sorted. Is Mom and the little one sleeping?"noveldrama

"Good, good. They turned in early. You guys hungry? I can whip something up in the kitchen."

Elysia hadn't eaten much at dinner-Clayton had noticed and felt a pang in his heart.

Afraid she'd refuse out of politeness, he added, "Actually, I'm a bit hungry myself. I'll make something for the three of us."

Elysia jumped in, "Dad, what do you want? I'll make it."

Tarquin chimed in, "Let me."

He swapped his shoes for slippers, shrugged off his jacket, and rolled up his sleeves, ready to head into the kitchen. But Clayton stopped him.

"Nope, you two sit down and relax. Let me do this. Time for you to taste a little of Dad's midnight cooking."

He set aside his magazine and headed off to the kitchen.

Tarquin grinned at Elysia. "Go on upstairs and get some rest. I'll help your dad— gotta make a good impression."

Elysia smiled, happiness glowing on her face. The heaviness in her heart lifted. "Alright, I'll go check on Mom and the kids."

She headed upstairs, peeking into Pamela's room first, then the baby's.

When she went to Evan's room, she'd barely cracked the door when White, the family's pet-an albino corn snake-lifted its little head, alert at the noise.

But when White saw it was Elysia, it slithered over, nuzzling her hand with affection.

Elysia used to be terrified of snakes, but after all this time, White was just part of the family.

She scooped White up, stroking its tiny head, and wandered into Evan's room.

One look at Evan's sleeping position, and she had to shake her head in exasperation.

Out of everyone in the family, Evan was the wildest sleeper.

Who knows what he'd been up to before bed? Now he was sprawled across the edge of the bed, his head and arms dangling off, looking like he'd roll off any second-headfirst, notess!

Elysia put White down and carefully scooped Evan up.

He blinked open his eyes, groggy. "Mommy?"

"Yeah, it's me, sweetie. Go back to sleep."

She settled him back in bed. The little guy clung to her, not wanting to let go.

So Elysia lay down beside him, gently rubbing his back until he drifted off again.

White, still wide awake, perched on the pillow watching her.

Elysia whispered, "Do you want to go home, White?"

White blinked his beady eyes and flicked out his tongue at her.

Elysia wasn't like Evan-she couldn't actually talk to White-but she knew he missed home, too.

"Once we get the sample, we're heading back! We'll visit Grandpa and Grandma, and you and Evan can see your little buddies again. They probably miss us a ton."

White seemed to understand. He hopped onto Elysia's chest, tilting his head and nudging her hand excitedly.

Elysia laughed, stroking him again. "Alright, alright..."

It had been a while since they'd left home. Honestly, she was just as excited as

White at the thought of going back.