Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Just as Tarquin was about to answer his phone, Evan came looking for him.

The little guy, with his big eyes twinkling, approached him with a bit of hesitation, "I wanna talk to you."novelbin

Tarquin's handsome eyes narrowed...

Without a second thought, he hung up the call from Royal Community. Didn't even bother to answer.

His mind was swamped with thoughts of Elysia and the kids, along with Keith and the mysterious man, his daughter, and Elysia's deadbeat ex...

He completely forgot that he himself was married, with a wife he had never met.

She was never on his mind, invisible like air, forgotten in his daily life.

Tarquin pocketed his phone, turning all his attention to Evan with a look of affection,

"What do you wanna chat about?"

Evan glanced towards the guest room, worried Elysia might overhear, and lowered his voice,

"About last night, don't tell Mommy, okay?"

Tarquin agreed readily,

"No problem. But... you gotta tell me the truth. Was it you who caused all that chaos at the Bradford estate last night?"

He had recently heard the news that the Bradford estate had gone nuts!

Crying, fainting, the works!

Gideon Bradford had wheeled himself down a hill in a frenzy, followed by a horde of servants - the scene was more dramatic than a movie.

His wheelchair flipped, sending seventy-something Gideon flying into a lake.

He didn't die or get much hurt, nor did he pass out, but from the hospital visit till now, not a sip of water, not a word, just in shock.

Allegra Bradford was wailing and vomiting in a loop, after supposedly eating something disgusting last night.

Verity Bradford was even weirder, fainting and waking on repeat, looking for reasons to faint rather than stay awake.

And the rest of the Bradfords? The women were howling like banshees.

The men seemed to have lost their minds, with some being so scared they couldn't "stand up" anymore.

Some found their kitchens reeking at night.

Others discovered their homes invaded by hundreds of mice - a total nightmare.

All in all, a night the Bradfords would never forget.

Evan pursed his lips,

"It was me. They were badmouthing my mom and brother! I just wanted to give them a piece of my mind, without getting physical." Tarquin thought, "..." He knew it. No one but Evan could've pulled off such a spectacle.

"Don't rat me out to Mommy."

Tarquin nodded,

"I won't tell your mom. I think you did the right thing. If someone doesn't bother you, you don't bother them. But if they cross the line, they can't be let off easy! The Bradfords started it, you getting back at them isn't wrong."

Evan's eyes sparkled, and Tarquin continued,

"But I gotta remind you, there's always a bigger fish. Just because you're tough doesn't mean you should be reckless. Whatever you do, be careful and protect yourself first.

Your parents gave you your body and health, keeping yourself safe is the best way to show love for your mom. She tells you not to fight because she's worried about you, she's looking out for you."

"I know! My mommy is the best!"

Tarquin added, "She's scared for you, so it's right not to worry her with some things. But from now on, you can keep things from her, not from me. Tell me first, and we'll face it together."

Evan looked at him, his dark eyes rolling thoughtfully.

Tarquin said, "I can fight too. I can be your backup, and if things go south, I can take the blame. I'm the adult, you're the kid. Elysia will definitely scold me, not you.

Not only can I take the blame, but I'll also cover for you and handle the aftermath so Elysia won't find out. So, if you include me in your plans, it's all benefit, no loss, right?"

Tarquin knew how to charm a kid. With that speech, Evan was both touched and excited, nodding in agreement, "Deal. If I have any trouble, I'll tell you. And if you're really that reliable, I'll have your back too when you need it." Tarquin smiled, "Deal!"

When Elysia came out after getting ready, she saw them chatting and laughing together.

Her curiosity shifted from the events of last night to their conversation, "What are you guys talking about?"

Evan blinked, unsure what to say, while Tarquin spoke up,

"Evan really likes me. He said you did right by choosing to be with me. He wishes us a lifetime of happiness."

Evan shot him a look, his lips twitching.

Dad was fibbing - he hadn't said that!

Even though they'd reached some common ground, the jury was still out on dear old dad!