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.

Elysia pulled Tarquin aside

Did

some information. The woman's name is Claire, her husband's Cecil, and their daughter, Maria. All three

congenital illness that's incurable, and Cecil doesn't hold down a steady job, often loafing around aimlessly. The family's

the cemetery at night, joining the city's cleaning crew at dawn, and crafting at home during the day while caring for her daughter. Every day is a struggle for

is she

sure

a meaningful look, hesitating

you never seen what this woman looks

whenever I see

a younger Claire,

before daring to look

she confirmed the woman's features in the photo, Elysia's breath hitched, "She...

empathetic, helped her sit down,

body

be certain yet,