RankNovel"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." Elijah looked troubled, his lips moving like he wanted to say something, but no sound cout.
"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?" She cupped his cheek, her touch gentle. "But I have to say, it means the world tothat you care so much. It makesfeel even luckier." 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." He hugged her back, patting her shoulder like a tiny grown-up. "Love you too, Mom." 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 ssleep, alright?" Elijah nodded, climbed into bed, and snuggled under the patchwork quilt.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Goodnight, Mom." "Goodnight, sweetheart." 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." 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 aboutabout how hard things have been out here. But he never wants to talk about it." Tarquin frowned, concern etching his brow. "Is he okay?" "He's just sensitive. He worries about me, but keeps it all inside." 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?" 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."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"If one of my friends was in that spot now, I don't know if y'd have the guts to tell her to go through with it. Raising kids alone is so hard." She grinned, tears sparkling in her eyes. "But I got lucky. The boys are sweet, loving-total angels. Every tI 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." 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." 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 ou this to gratitude, not to make you feel guilty." m He understood, pressing a kiss to her hair. "We're going to keep being happy.
Happier every single day." She smiled, snuggling closer. "Yeah. We will. I know it."
Wrapped in each other's arms, listening to the steady rhythm of their hearts, they drifted off to sleep.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
