Chapter 1245
“Life hasn’t always been easy for me,” Elysia said softly, running her fingers
through Elijah’s hair. “I’ve had my share of tough breaks. But these years in the
mountains with you, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett? I’ve been really happy p>
Elijah looked troubled, his lips moving like he wanted to say something, but no
sound came out.
“I know the cabin isn’t exactly a five-star hotel,” Elysia continued, smiling, “but we
have each other. That’s what matters most. So, Elijah, don’t get all sad thinking
your mom’s had it rough, okay p>
She cupped his cheek, her touch gentle. “But I have to say, it means the world to
me that you care so much. It makes me feel even luckier p>
Elijah was always the quietest of her boys, a little more reserved than Elliot, Evan,
or Emmett. Still, he leaned into her touch, almost like he was soaking up her
warmth.
Elysia pulled him in for a hug. “I love you, Elijah p>
He hugged her back, patting her shoulder like a tiny grown-up. “Love you too,
Mom p>
Her heart swelled, and it took her a moment to steady herself before she smiled
again. “We’ve got another early morning hike tomorrow, so let’s get some sleep,
alright p>
Elijah nodded, climbed into bed, and snuggled under the patchwork quilt.
“Goodnight, Mom p>
“Goodnight, sweetheart p>
She tucked the blanket around him, making sure he was warm, then left for her
own room.
Tarquin was already lying in bed, the lamp casting a soft glow over the room.
Their baby daughter was asleep in her crib, cheeks rosy and peaceful.
Tarquin lifted the covers in invitation. “You took your time p>
Elysia didn’t answer right away. She
checked on their little girl first, then
slid into bed and curled up against
Tarquin’s side, her cheek pressed to
his chest. He wrapped his arms
around her, noticing right away that
something was off.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, voice gentle.
Elysia’s eyes prickled with tears.
“When I went in to check on the kids,
Elijah was still awake, standing by
the window just… lost in thought.
He’s been so worried about me
about how hard things have been
out here. But he never wants to talk
about it p>
Tarquin frowned, concern etching his brow. “Is he okay p>
“He’s just sensitive. He worries about me, but keeps it all inside p>
Elysia took a shaky breath. “Honestly, I feel so lucky. What more could a mom ask
for than kids who care about her so much p>
She looked up at Tarquin, voice soft. “When I first found out I was pregnant, I was
shocked, nervous-honestly, terrified. Choosing to have them, especially with
everything going on, felt like jumping off a cliff without a parachute p>
“If one of my friends was in that spot now, I don’t know if I’d have the guts to tell
her to go through with it. Raising kids alone is so hard p>
She grinned, tears sparkling in her
eyes. “But I got lucky. The boys are
sweet, loving-total angels. Every
time I look at them, I know I made
the right choice. We’ve been through
so much, and somehow, we ended
up together. My life feels complete p>
Tarquin tightened his embrace, resting his chin on her head. “I know I let you
down back then. The pain you’ve gone through, the tough times-it was all
because of me p>
Elysia didn’t argue. Instead, she looked up at him, her voice steady. “But this
happiness? It’s because of you, too. I’m telling you this to share my gratitude, not
to make you feel guilty p>
He understood, pressing a kiss to her hair. “We’re going to keep being happy.
Happier every single day p>
She smiled, snuggling closer. “Yeah. We will. I know it p>
Wrapped in each other’s arms, listening to the steady rhythm of their hearts, they
drifted off to sleep.