Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 369

Emmett stammered, his words tumbling out in a rush, "Not... not yet, Mom. Just give us a little more time, okay?"

"Alright, honey. Call me when you're all set," Elysia replied with a nod before leaving the room.

Once she was out of earshot, Emmett turned to Evan, his eyes wide with worry. "Evan, have you had any luck reaching Elijah?"

Evan and Emmett had packed their bags, ready to leave today. They had been trying to call Elijah all morning, hoping to tell him about their plan so he could join them.

But after numerous attempts, there was still no answer.

Evan paced the room, clearly agitated. "No luck! How about this - I'll go look for Elijah. You guys go ahead to the train station with Mom. I'll bring Elijah and meet you there later?"

Elliot, who had been listening quietly, shook his head, his brow furrowed in thought. "Right now, Tarquin has only found Mom, not us. If you're spotted trying to find Elijah, Mom will freak out."

"So what do we do? Leave Elijah behind? No way! He's our brother! We can't just leave him out there on his own!" Evan exclaimed.

Emmett nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yeah, brothers stick together!"

Elliot let out a sigh, "Even if we get in touch, Elijah won't come with us. He once said he wouldn't leave Tarquin behind."

"What?! He'd choose that jerk Tarquin over us and Mom?" Evan was incredulous.

"He wants both."

"But he's gotta choose!" Evan argued.

Elliot explained, "It's a tough choice for him. Tarquin's been taking care of Elijah; it's natural he feels loyal to him. But of course, Elijah loves us and Mom too."

"So, what now?" Evan asked, frustration evident in his voice.

Evan's heart sank at the thought. "I can't stand the idea of Mom living with that kind of pain. Not now, not ever."

"But Mom's set on leaving. How do we stop her?" Emmett chimed in, worry creasing his brow.

Elliot pondered for a moment, then made up his mind. "If we have to, we'll tell Mom the truth. That Elijah is her son. Then, it's up to her to decide whether to stay or go. Whatever she chooses, we'll support her, every step of the way."

"You've got my support, bro. Whatever it takes to do right by Mom, I'm in," Evan declared, his resolve firm.

"And me, me too! I'll follow whatever plan Elliot comes up with!" Emmett added eagerly.

"Alright, don't worry. I'll handle this. Just try to get in touch with Elijah. If you reach him, tell him to stay calm for now."

"Got it!"