Chapter 170

Before knowing if Elysia could be discharged, Blossom had already given them a heads up.

She prepared them for the possibility that Elysia might not be home tonight.

Blossom’s voice was bubbly over the phone. “Your mom has wrapped up her business, and she’s in such a great mood that she’s planning to hit Happy Mart for some treats. She’s gonna whip up a feast tonight.”

“Wow!”

The three little ones screamed with excitement.

Elysia, phone in hand, couldn’t help but let a smile spread across her face as she listened to her children’s laughter.

Their voices were the sweetest sound in the world.

Keaton and Tanquin caught sight of that smile.

After Elysia finished the discharge process, Tarquin followed her out.

Maybe it was because Elijah was eager for her home–cooked meals, he stuck close to her side.

“That smile of hers is as lovely as a blooming flower,” Keaton remarked from the driver’s seat, genuinely moved.

At that, Tarquin shot him a glare.

Keaton’s brow arched in amusement, “What are you glaring at me for? You’re not into her! If you’re not, and she’s not taken, so why can’t I admire her?

Tarquin rolled his eyes and took a drag of his cigarette.

Keaton prodded, mischievously, “Be a man and admit it, are you interested in her or not?”

“No.” Tarquin replied without a second thought.

For real?”

‘T’m bored.”

Keaton chuckled, “You two would actually make a good match, at least where looks are concemed.

Both single, both raising kids on your own. If you could make a family together, it’d be perfect.”

Keaton was on the same page as Lowell.

Better to build something new with Elysia than to wait endlessly for a woman who was nowhere in sight.

Elysia was beautiful, had a great figure, and was Tarquin’s match.

So what if if she was a bit less well–off and ordinary? Tarquin didn’t need a woman’s status to bolster him. After all these years, it was only with Elysia that Tarquin’s interactions had a hint of intrigue.

And Tarquin was different with her than with other women.

That’s why both Keaton and Lowell were playing matchmaker.

But Tarquin’s response was a dark scowl, “Buzz offi Keaton pursed his lips, exasperated, “See, you’re no fun. Can’t even take a little talk What, Elysia isn’t good enough for you? I think if Elysia got together with you, it’d be you who’s reaching. Look at you, not getting any younger, a bachelor past his prime. Stop being choosy. And honestly, I think you’re into Ms.

Thome. You definitely like her…”

Tarquin interrupted, “Should I get in touch with Jessamine and let her know you’re fanciful about Elysia?”

“Damn! That’s spreading rumors, man!”

“If you can gossip, why can’t I?”

Keaton paused for a moment before saying, “Using my sister to threaten me? That’s low.”

“I’m your boss.”

Keaton grumbled and stepped out of the car He needed to keep his distance from Tarquin and from Elysia too, to avoid his sister’s wrath.

In their phone conversation today, his sister had nearly chewed his head off. Lucky for him, they weren’t face–to–face, or she would have killed him!

After Keaton left, Tarquin lit another cigarette and watched Elysia in silence.

Lowell, sitting at the wheel, had heard every word of their exchange. He couldn’t help but add. “Ms.

Thome is quite a looker, and she’s 11:20 hapter 170:

got a beautiful smile. Plus, she’s got a good heart. Any other woman might have been scared or upset for ages after what happened today. But look at her, just a few hours later, and she’s already bouncing back. Either she’s seen some real storms in her life, and today’s troubles are nothing to her, or she’s just exceptionally positive and optimistic about life.”

“Or she could just be an alrhead! Clueless and cheerfully oblivious.”

Lowell was left speechless, thinking, “Can’t we just say something nice about her?”