Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

“I need to talk to you guys about something."

Barely had Tarquin finished his sentence before he felt danger in the air. He glanced up, heart skipping a beat.

Bernard had leapt down from the oak tree, eyes sharp and face set in a scowl. Tarquin, ever alert, dodged the old man's sudden attack just in time.

But Bernard was relentless, moving with surprising speed for someone his age! Tarquin's brows shot up in surprise as he danced backward, barely keeping up.

This little old guy's not messing around, he thought, forcing himself to focus. But it was clear-he was struggling.

There's always someone better out there, Tarquin realized. Sure, he was good at making money, but when it came to fighting, Bernard had him beat by a mile.

Among normal folks, Tarquin was pretty handy. Next to Bernard, though? He might as well be swinging at shadows.

He just couldn't keep up.

After only a few moves, Bernard landed a solid blow.

Tarquin grunted in pain, biting back a curse. He could tell Bernard hadn't used full strength, but still his shoulder felt like it was about to split in two.

If Bernard had really gone for it, Tarquin would be toast.

But Bernard wasn't done. With a cold stare, he came at Tarquin again!

From the sidelines, Evan hollered,

a finger on him, my mom's gonna bawl her eyes out! That's her

Tarquin: "..."

to Evan. "Isn't Elysia's precious baby boy supposed to be you

the club now! He's Mom's new favorite, and if you hurt him, she'll cry so much you'll never hear the end

if she jabs you with that crazy knitting needle of hers

Bernard's mouth twitched. "...."

Tarquin's did too. "..."

did it sound like he'd just been

his arms behind his back, and gave Tarquin a squinty, appraising

but her

good-looking as me, but you'll

exactly Bruce Lee, but you're good enough to

I'll give you a five out

the air, acting like

as when Evan used to

word in, Bernard turned to

for him right now! He could flatten you in ten

if he ever bullies

mom

Who'll

you can't defend her?

up for Elysia if I'm