Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 1224

Tarquin could already guess what was on Clayton's mind, so he spoke up first.

"I've already asked someone to tally up everything I own," he said, his voice steady. "Once it's all done, I'm transferring everything to Elysia's name. On our wedding day, everything will be hers."

Clayton gaped at him, genuinely stunned. "Wait-what?!"

Tarquin just nodded, looking him straight in the eye. "I don't really know how else to show her how much I love her. I want her to have everything-me, my heart, my money. All of it."

He hesitated, then added, "Dad, it was my fault Elysia never got a real wedding. I regret that, every day. That's why I've been planning—so I can finally give her the ceremony she deserves."

Clayton was quiet for a moment, his face softening, eyes misty. "Son, I know everything you two have been through. Not having a wedding wasn't just your fault. But the fact that you want to make it right... that means the world to me."

He took a deep breath, his voice rough with emotion. "Elysia is my only daughter. For years, I couldn't be there for her, and it broke my heart. Now that I have her back, I can't stand the thought of her ever being hurt."

Tarquin nodded solemnly. "I understand, sir. She's my one and only, too. I'd never let anything happen to her."

"You and Mom don't need to worry," he went on earnestly. "Whatever other women have, Elysia will have. And whatever they don't have, I'll make sure she gets it anyway."

wedding anyone's ever seen. Every tradition, every

let out a breath he'd been holding for years. "You have no idea how much that puts my mind at ease. I

listen, son, let me be a dad and nag you for a second, okay? I know

for the rest of your life. All I ask is—if the day ever comes when you don't love her anymore, please, don't hurt

do anything to hurt her-if you ever pull a Zane and Winona situation-I

the least bit offended. He just smiled gently. "I get where you're coming from, Dad. But

grin, "I hope you'll remember I'm your son-in-law and put

for a second,

time in twenty years, Clayton picked up a glass of wine, grinning ear to ear

could really hold their

few rounds, one was

her parents into

inside when Tarquin appeared in the doorway, blocking her

leaned back against the door.

he said, the whiff of