Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 269

Evan's quick reflexes saved the day once again. Before Tarquin could even catch a glimpse of who was there, Evan had already darted into the little cubicle.

Tarquin, puzzled, turned to Elliot, "Who were you talking to just now?"

Elliot, clutching his small hands, let his deep eyes roll around before calming down and countering, "Did you come here to read me the riot act, Dad?"

He knew very well that Evan's antics would not have gone unnoticed by Tarquin.

Before Tarquin could reply, Elliot went on, "What's done is done. I'll stand by my actions and won't drag you into this. If the Bradfords have a bone to pick, they can come at me."

Tarquin looked at him with a complex expression, "I'm not here to reprimand you. Are you hurt?"

Elliot was skeptical. Evan had caused such a mess, and Tarquin wasn't angry?

It seemed he had a soft spot for Elijah.

Elliot answered, "I'm fine."

"That's good to hear. When did you sneak out of the bathroom? I was outside the whole time and didn't see you leave."

"I knew you wouldn't let me go, so I changed into different clothes and jumped out the window."

Tarquin glanced at the open window and then at the clothes on the floor, "Why the need to change clothes?"

Elliot replied smoothly, "I'm going to pay respects to Grandpa later. Didn't want to dirty these clothes. It wouldn't be respectful."

Tarquin pondered for a moment before asking, "When did you prepare the clothes?"

"Today."

"You did what you had to; I have my own score to settle. Elysia was wronged and frightened because of me, and I needed to make it right."

Tarquin fell silent again, studying Elliot. The boy seemed different from the reserved and aloof Elijah he knew.

Now, reflecting on it, he seemed distinct from the one who just made a scene at the cemetery - he was mature and composed, whereas the fighter was more impulsive and lively.

These differing personalities seemed like three separate individuals, yet Tarquin knew he only had one son, and there was no mistaking that they were the same person in appearance.

Confused, Tarquin softened his tone, "You don't need to worry about the Bradfords or bother with them. I'll handle this situation. Let's go pay respects to your grandpa."

Elliot couldn't help but give Tarquin another look.

Not a single word of criticism and such gentleness in his voice... it was just like a tender father.