Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Early the next morning, Elysia was up before sunrise.

After chatting with the innkeeper, she rolled up her sleeves and made scrambled

eggs and pancakes for the kids, along with some simple sides-crispy bacon,

hashbrowns, and a bowl of fresh fruit.

She knew everyone had different tastes, and the kids hadn't really eaten much the

night before the local food just wasn't what they were used to. Today was the

first day they'd be heading into the mountains, and from here on out, it was going

to be picnic meals and campfire food for a while. Elysia wanted to make sure her

family got a good breakfast in them while they could.

The innkeeper and his wife were true Darkfort City locals, blunt and friendly. They

went on and on about how adorable the kids were, then started complimenting

Elysia, and even threw in some praise for Tarquin.

"I swear, your whole family looks like you stepped out of a magazine!" the

innkeeper's wife said. "We've had so many families stay here over the years, but

none as good-looking as yours!"

After all the flattery, she turned serious for a moment, giving them some advice:

"When you head up the mountain, follow the marked trail. Stick to the signs-

don't wander off on the smaller paths, it's easy to get lost out there. And if you see

a sign telling you not to go somewhere, don't ignore it. Most of these mountains

are just untouched wilderness-real wild, not part of any park. Nobody goes in

there. It's dangerous."

She lowered her voice. "Just last week, they carried out a few bodies. Some folks

went off-trail, adventurers or something. They got attacked by wild animals-one

had his head bashed in, another was half-eaten. Whatever did it, it wasn't human.

There's all kinds of dangerous creatures out there, not just bears or wolves. Some

say there's things in those woods that nobody's ever seen."

"Don't go exploring just because you're curious," she added. "It's not worth it."

grateful for

her years living in

the kids. She finished

the

a group of wildlife photographers snuck into the restricted area to

animals. The

to do

frowned, letting out a sigh. She felt bad for them. She

recommend it to

The

for years, and if it weren't for White

here for an adventure," she said. "There's so many fun

the world you don't have to choose the most dangerous

risking your life."

her a reassuring smile. "We'll be fine. I've

and never

our guard up."

the seven of them set

entourage.

the hike was along a narrow,

bouncing with excitement. The wilderness was home

the foot of these mountains and

every rock and tree.

the other hand, was more used

a little while, she started to lag

struggling to keep up.

biggest backpack, just scooped her up and settled

as a bull and

breaks here and there, until they reached the edge of

restricted area by afternoon.

"Evan, are you sure this is the right

"It's the safest route. And there's a perfect spot to set

ways in-I

said, "let's get moving. We

slipped past the sign and into the

and seemed to

years of mountain living had made her tough.

alert. Emmett was the same, a

and nervous, not letting go for

hour, they reached

creek with a big,

perfect for tents.

night

animals prowling

tents were for more

comfort-they were

shot at staying safe.