Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 564

Tarquin gently pulled a tissue from the box, dabbing at Emmett's runny nose and tear-streaked cheeks before scooping him up into his arms.

"You and Evan keep on sleeping, I'll take care of him."

With the bedside lamp switched off and the inner door carefully closed behind him, Tarquin cradled Emmett and moved towards the hospital bed in the dimly lit room, his voice soft and soothing.

"Look, your mommy wasn't gobbled up by monsters. She's just sleeping soundly, and so is Elijah. They're both okay, no need to be scared."

Rubbing his eyes, Emmett peered at Elysia lying in the bed. Reaching out, he gently touched Elysia, whispering, "Mommy's warm."

Tarquin couldn't help but chuckle. Of course, she was warm; she was very much alive.

"Alright, try to get some more sleep. By the time you wake up, she'll probably be awake too. Don’t worry, I’ll protect her, Elijah, and all of you. If any monsters come, I'll chase them away."

"Okay," Emmett murmured in a sleepy voice, nodding and snuggling against Tarquin's shoulder, drifting back to sleep.

Standing up with Emmett in his arms, Tarquin gently patted his back and rocked him, lulling him back to sleep.

Elliot and Evan peeked through the crack of the door, relieved to see Emmett had stopped crying. They watched Tarquin, seeing him in a new light, almost like a nurturing father, and something in their gaze shifted.

Perhaps Elysia was right. His search for Elijah's mother was about atonement, not love. Yet, he had promised to take responsibility.

He doubted whether she would forgive him or consider a future with him. Nonetheless, he hoped to remain faithful until he found her.

If she chose to share her life with him, he vowed to dedicate his love to her. If not, he would find another way to make amends.

Despite his resistance, Tarquin's feelings for Elysia had deepened, proving emotions can't be controlled.

He struggled with his commitment to Elijah's mother and his growing love for Elysia. If only Elysia were Elijah's mother, how perfect that would be! But alas, she was not.