Chapter 87

09:48 Elysia leaned back in her chair, a contemplative look crossing her face.

“You know what they say, “Marry in haste, repent at leisure. But if you don’t get married and have kids while you’re young, you might live to regret it.

Blossom just shrugged it off with her usual carefree attitude. “Ah, let life worry about itself. Life’s too short to not enjoy the heck out of it. I just wanna be happy, that’s all that matters. And love? You can’t force that kind of thing. Look, I’m not against marriage. It’s just that my knight in shining armor hasn’t trotted up yet. When he does, trust me, you won’t have to nudge me–I’ll be the first one shouting from the rooftops that I’m getting married.”

23 E DR Blossom’s tone shifted gears as she turned to Elysia with a curious tilt of her head. “What about you, though? You planning on jumping back into the dating pool again?”

Elysia shook her head decidedly. “I’ve had my fill of the bitter taste of marriage, no second helpings for me, thank you. Besides, I’ve got my kids. They’ll be my company when I’m old and gray.*

Blossom scooted closer with a mischievous grin. “Well then, what’s yours is mine, right? From today on, I’ve got kids too. If I end up a spinster, you can bet I’ll be clinging to you and your three little munchkins.”

“Ha, you’re on. By the way, did Winona ever mention when she’s coming back?”

Blossom shook her head, her ponytail swishing “No clue. Winona’s been living the life, a real leading lady–her career and love life are both booming. The only thing missing is a baby. I heard her say once that Zane wants kids, but she’s too caught up with her career to even think about it. Good thing Zane adores her, or else they’d be at each other’s throats over it.”

“Yeah, deciding to have kids… That’s a conversation that needs both to be on board.”

“Exactly. But everyone’s pushing back timelines these days. Winona can afford to wait a few more years.

As Blossom’s words trailed off, her stomach gave a loud, insistent growl. She laughed and said, “Time for a midnight snack.”

“You and your belly. I could whip up something.”

“No need, it’s late. I’ll just order in. I’ll check on the little ones first. If they’re still awake, I’ll grab extra.”

Tiptoeing over to the kids‘ room, Blossom gently pushed the door open. It was pitch black; the trio was sound asleep. She tiptoed back, closing the door behind her.

“All tucked in. Let’s get this party started.”

She ordered some BBQ skewers and a couple of beers, and they settled into an evening of eating, drinking, and laughter, much like the old college dorm days.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Tarquin kept a vigil by Elijah’s bedside, restlessly awake.

Gideon’s men had crumbled under Lowell’s tactics, spilling everything.

Gideon had sought out Elysia only after hearing about her potential to help Elijah with his bipolar disorder. Elysia wasn’t lying; she truly didn’t know Gideon.

The encounter of Elysia and Tarquin at the bar was a mere coincidence. Tarquin’s men confirmed she had signed up for the bartending gig long before he decided to show up looking for Keaton.

In other words, Elysia had no idea he would be there when she applied for the job.

Tarquin had misunderstood her twice over.

But what about the smoke bomb in the basement, the elusive hero, the business rivalry, the breached security system, and the warning not to bully the little lady? Could it be that someone else, not Elysia, was the target of the message?

He pondered, his mind racing. The ‘little lady‘ wasn’t just Elysia; there was also his estranged wife, whom he’d never met and whose marriage he’d used to fend off Nola. And lately, she’d been pushing for a divorce, which he’d resisted.

Could the person behind the business sabotage be standing up for her?

Tarquin’s expression darkened. Without a glance at the clock, he whipped out his phone and dialed the Royal Community.

“Get her on the line. I want to meet with her tomorrow!”