Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

"Emmett loves Mommy so, so much. Always loves Mommy."

The youthful voice echoed through the car, warming Elysia's heart while simultaneously stirring an inexplicable sense of sorrow.

For some reason, thoughts of that odd woman sent her into a flurry of unease and apprehension, as if a dreadful event loomed on the horizon. Holding Emmett tighter, Elysia's grip unconsciously strengthened, fearing that loosening her hold would allow someone to snatch him away.

In the hotel, Pamela and Baby were already up and about.

Seeing Elysia return, they clung to her instantly.

Given Pamela's troubled mind and Baby being the youngest, they were the ones most attached to Elysia, constantly seeking her out if she was out of sight for even a moment.

Yesterday, when Elysia visited Blossom in the hospital, the grandmother and grandchild duo took turns calling her, their absence felt like an eternity.

Aware of his mom's preoccupations, Emmett quickly entertained the two, giving Elysia a moment of pride for having such a wonderful child. She considered herself incredibly fortunate to have him.

steadied heart, Elysia pulled Tarquin aside back into their

luck? Did you

information. The woman's name is Claire, her husband's Cecil, and

Cecil doesn't hold down a steady job, often loafing

works several jobs, guarding the cemetery at night, joining the city's cleaning crew at dawn, and crafting at home during the day

"Then why is she

sure yet,

a meaningful look,

seen what this woman looks

mask whenever I see her. Why? What about her

a younger Claire, Elysia's body jolted as if struck, her

disbelieving, before daring to

in the photo, Elysia's

sit down, "Looks a

body trembling, "She is... Emmett's

yet, but