Chapter 289
Tarquin was a bundle of nerves as he held Elijah tight. He was at a total loss, clueless about what got into his little boy to make him this upset. Without wasting a moment, he quickly slipped a down jacket on Elijah, hugged him close, grabbed the car keys, and dashed out of the house. His only thought was to get to Elysia as quickly as possible, hoping she could calm their son down.
In his frantic state, Tarquin forgot to put on his own coat. There he was, out in the biting cold of December, dressed in nothing but a thin shirt, and yet, he broke out in a sweat!
Elijah was his heart, his everything. This was Tarquin’s first rodeo as a dad, and although unsure about many things, he was determined to do his absolute best.
The chilly wind prompted him to pull the hood of Elijah’s jacket over his head, protecting him from the cold. He strode quickly to the car, opened the back door, and gently placed his little guy inside, making sure the seat belt was securely fastened.
Tears and snot marred Elijah’s usually spotless face, a testament to his distress. Knowing his son’s penchant for cleanliness, Tarquin realized just how upset Elijah must be to disregard his messy face. It broke Tarquin’s heart.
He tenderly wiped away his son’s tears and runny nose with a tissue.
“Don’t cry, buddy. Daddy’s going to take you to her right now,” he soothed.
With a nod, Elijah tried to stifle his sobs.
Tarquin, moved by his son’s plight, caressed his cheek before closing the car door and starting the vehicle to leave the neighborhood.
“Achoo p>
Back at home, Elysia sneezed loudly the moment she walked through the door.
“Are you okay? Did you catch a cold?” Blossom asked with concern.
Elysia rubbed her nose, “I’m fine. Where are the boys p>
“They’re asleep in their room p>
“I’ll go check on them.” Elysia tiptoed into the kids’ room, trying not to wake them.
Elliot and Evan had only been home for a short while and were pretending to be asleep. Elliot, in particular, was torn. He wanted to reassure his mom after the evening’s events but didn’t want to disturb her rest either. After a moment’s hesitation, he sat up.
“Mom p>
Elysia, who had just reached his bed, paused, “Did I wake you p>
“No, I wasn’t asleep yet. I heard you sneeze. Are you feeling okay p>
“I’m fine, honey. Just a tickle in my nose. Why are you still up p>
“I was worried after talking to you on the phone. How’s Elijah p>
Mentioning Elijah made Elysia sigh softly and sit on the bed, “You and Elijah are so different. Today, you took Elijah’s place at the family gathering, and his dad thought Elijah had a split personality, so he rushed to get me p>
“Don’t worry, Mom. In a few days, when Elijah’s dad sees everything is normal with Elijah, he’ll stop worrying. At least he only thinks it’s a split personality and not that someone replaced Elijah p>
Elysia was relieved, “Right, your analysis makes sense p>
If he had suspected an impersonation, she would have been terrified.
Elliot continued, “Anyway, after today, those who wanted to harm Elijah will think he’s completely fine. No one will bother you anymore, so our plan worked, right p>
Elysia finally felt her worry ease. The plan was risky but ultimately successful. She affectionately ruffled Elliot’s hair, “You’re my little hero, Elliot. Always looking out for me like a cozy sweater on a cold day p>