Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Elysia took a deep breath at the rest area, gazing at the steps ahead and said, "Legend has it that each of the 108 steps represents one of life's troubles. Climbing a step signifies entering a new phase and shedding a worry."

Emmett, tilting his head, asked, "So, if we climb all 108 steps, does that mean we'll be free of worries forever?"

Elysia chuckled, "Exactly."

The kids immediately called out to Baby, "Baby, come on down! We'll climb it together, and then no more worries."

"Okay!" Baby wiggled her little legs, "Daddy, daddy, let me go with Lan."

Tarquin, with a loving expression, let his little girl down.

Evan took the lead, Elliot watched their back, and Elijah and Emmett stood by Baby's sides, each holding one of her hands, guiding their sister up the steps.

Watching the loving scene of the five kids, Elysia's eyes brimmed with happiness.

She reached for Tarquin's hand, "Even with Mom gone, I'm here for you. I'll be by your side through all seasons, for the rest of our lives."

to her, gently tucking a stray hair behind her ear and gripping her hand

"Yes, a promise!"

each other, their fingers interlocked, stepping onto the staircase

they aimed to leave behind all

complex,

and Tarquin met with Master Cloud, asking for his help in guiding Elizabeth's spirit. Leaving Compassion Abbey, it

the hill, while Elysia was in the restroom, Evan sneakily spoke to Tarquin, "Dad, we're good brothers, right?" Tarquin:

but... just tell me you

out, what's

of some personal business. You guys go ahead, and just cover for me with Mom, okay? Don't let

you

"Just personal stuff."

"Like what?"

into kids'

had noticed someone following them since they started the ascent, but the presence was non-threatening. Axel mentioned it was a

same person they encountered in the restricted area

night Evan visited Gideon, engaging but not with malicious

happens to you, your mom won't let me off the hook." Meaning: Helping