Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 1366

Elysia snapped out of her thoughts, ruffled the hair of the little one nestled in Baby's arms, and waved at Pamela Patel and the kids.

After the hellos, she turned to the children.

"Alright, have the best time today. But remember, after all the fun, tomorrow means back to preschool-no fussing, no whining. You've all gotta go."

The mere mention of preschool triggered a chorus of mixed reactions.

Baby's face fell immediately—she hated being away from Mom and Dad, and she couldn't even bring Lan along.

Elliot and Elijah weren't thrilled either. To them, preschool was for babies.

Evan and Emmett, on the other hand, didn't really mind. They liked meeting new friends and playing games. The only downside? Spending the whole day away from Mom.

Still, whatever Elysia said, went. If it made Mom happy, that was enough.

"If that's what you want, Mom, we promise-we won't make a fuss!" they chimed in unison.

Elysia grinned. "Tomorrow, both Daddy and I will drop you off."

"And Grandma and Grandpa, too!" came Clayton Hawkins' cheery voice, emerging from the kitchen with a tray full of pancakes and bacon.

Tarquin followed right behind, carrying a stack of scrambled eggs and toast.

As soon as Elysia and her husband came downstairs, Clayton had hustled off to the kitchen to get breakfast ready, with Tarquin helping out like a pro.

Baby in her arms, led the way

go wash your hands, breakfast's ready! Eat up and we'll head out after," Clayton called, his apron straining at the ties, his face beaming. Ever since he'd found his daughter again, the once-legendary sea captain had become a

piled out the door, a merry

curb with a gleaming black SUV, engine humming.

or tobogganing-he was just looking for an excuse to slip away for a bit. Tarquin had said last night: with them sticking close to home, certain folks

Lowell! Mr. Axel!" the kids shouted,

down like he was greeting his own

all in black athleisure, baseball cap pulled low, face impassive but somehow less

He was almost... approachable.

on a mission, scampered straight to Axel and wrapped herself around his leg, looking up

"Mr. Axel!"

her head in what, for him, passed

in her sweet

Mr. Axel! Did you bring me a

Besides the odd birthday or Christmas gift for Elijah-and even then, always just

sh-he'd never bought

presents for anyone.

owe you one next time,"

pouted, her disappointment

"No present, huh..."

flustered, unsure how

before he could recover, Baby's eyes sparkled with

will you come with me to pick Ssom? She promised to