Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem ( Elysia and Tarquin) novel Chapter 290

Eavesdropping from their cozy nest of blankets, Evan and Emmett couldn't help but pop their heads out, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"What about me? Aren't I Mommy's little hero?" they chimed in unison, gazing up at Elysia with big, doe eyes.

Elysia paused, surprised, "You're both awake too?"

She gently pinched Evan's cheek, then did the same to Emmett's, "Of course, you both are indeed my little heroes! My warm cuddles! It's because of you two that my heart feels warm and toasty every single day."

Evan, ever the easy one to please, beamed at her words.

"They say emotions are contagious. If Mommy's happy, then we can be happy too. You've got to be cheerful every day, okay?" He proudly added, "Elliot knows how to cheer you up, so do we, right?"

Elysia smiled tenderly, nodding in agreement, "Yes, yes, indeed."

Not to be outdone, Emmett, though not as eloquent or as clever as his brothers, was all about action. Slipping out of his pajamas, he bent down, cupped Elysia's face in his small hands, and planted a loud, smacking kiss on her cheek.

"I can make Mommy happy too."

Elysia's face radiated happiness, which she could barely contain. She pulled Emmett into a hug, tickling his belly gently as he giggled uncontrollably, drawing Blossom into the fold.

"Leaving me out of the fun, how unfair! I'm so upset now. Looks like I'll have to eat all the late-night snacks I ordered by myself. Oh, look, I even got fried chicken bites," Blossom teased.

The mention of fried chicken bites lit up the kids' eyes - a rare treat Elysia seldom allowed.

"Blossom is the best; I love Blossom."

"Me too, I love Blossom. I'll find a hundred boyfriends for Blossom!"

"I'll find a thousand!"

Blossom, munching on chicken bites, turned towards the window, surprised, "Wow, it's raining out of nowhere. Looks like the heavens are crying for someone again."

Elysia walked over to the window, her heart aching even more at the sight. Her phone rang. It was Elijah's dad calling!

Elysia answered, puzzled, "Hello?"

"Come downstairs. Elijah's looking for you."

Elysia paused, "You're downstairs?"

"Yeah."

Surprised, Elysia replied, "I'll be right there!"