Chapter 735
The Bradford estate boasted a man-made lake, its surface dotted with water lilies that hadn’t yet bloomed this season. Despite their flowers remaining closed, the green stems stood tall and proud, and the overlapping leaves painted a picturesque scene. A quaint, vintage gazebo had been constructed at the heart of the lake, adding to the charm.
Tarquin, having pulled Elysia away from the noisy crowd, sprinted with her all the way to this secluded spot. Now, they stood alone under the gazebo, the only two souls in this tranquil haven.
Elijah, ever the observant one, had wrapped up his duties with a flourish and instructed the driver to return them to the hospital to find Elliot and Emmett, leaving his parents some much-needed alone time. He understood that they had a lot to discuss, some issues that needed to be conclusively addressed today.
A gentle breeze stirred the water lilies, their leaves rustling in the wind, a soft background to Tarquin and Elysia’s heavy breathing.
Elysia’s breaths came in short gasps, not from any emotional turmoil but simply because Tarquin had grabbed her hand and dashed from the house, running so fast and for such a distance that she was nearly spent!
And Tarquin? His breathlessness was not from the physical exertion but from the overwhelming shock of the day’s revelations. His heart raced with excitement, his blood boiled with anticipation, and every nerve in his body was alive with an electrifying energy. He was so thrilled he could barely contain himself, yet also terrified it was all an illusion.
The surprise of finding out the three little ones were his own made him ecstatic yet fearful that it might all be a dream. The reality had struck him so unexpectedly that he struggled to believe it.
“Elysia, hit me!” Tarquin looked at her, his body tense with anticipation.
Elysia, puzzled by his request, couldn’t understand his excitement nor his bizarre demand. “Why on earth should I hit you p>
“I need to know if it hurts, to see if I’m dreaming!” he explained.
With a roll of her eyes and a slight pout, Elysia pinched him, asking, “Does it hurt p>
“Yes p>
“So, do you now realize you’re not dreaming p>
Tarquin couldn’t help but burst into laughter, looking as giddy as a schoolboy.
Just as Elysia was about to scold him for being silly, he suddenly scooped her up in his arms!
“Elysia!” he exclaimed, holding her aloft.
Feeling a lack of solid ground beneath her feet, Elysia clung to him, “Hey, put me down p>
But he seemed not to hear her, repeating her name with a laugh, “Elysia! Ha, Elysia!” His joy scared the fish hiding under the lily pads, scattering them in all directions.
He held her tight, spinning around in circles, laughing and shouting her name as if trying to release all the pent-up happiness inside him onto her. Finally, Tarquin sat down on a bench, with Elysia in his lap, her arms around his neck as she slumped against him, both physically and emotionally spent.
“Elysia, I’m your son’s real dad!” Tarquin announced, a mix of pride and joy in his voice.
Elysia, her breath still uneven, her cheeks flushed, weakly responded, “I know p>
His excitement bubbling over, Tarquin shook her gently, “Elysia, focus, listen to me, I’ve magically gained three big sons out of nowhere! Three p>
In this quaint English setting, by the serene lake and the charming gazebo, amidst the rustling of the water lilies and the backdrop of the grand Bradford estate, Tarquin and Elysia shared a moment that was as surreal as it was joyous, marking a new chapter in their lives.