Elijah really needed to get out more, mix it up with new faces and ces.


    There was a brief silence before Tarquin nced over at Elijah, making sure the little guy wasn''t paying attention to their conversation. He then spoke, "You know, if you want to take Elijah for a while, that''s cool. Let''s make a deal.”


    "A deal? What kind of deal?"


    Tarquin was upfront, "I want to do another paternity test. I need your sample."


    If she agreed, it would be way better than him sneaking around behind her back. Once the results were in, he could openly discuss it with her.


    Elysia''s face dropped, her heart racing, "You still want to..."


    “Shh, keep it down! I''m not forcing you, just proposing an idea!"


    "But you promised Elijah you''d stop snooping around! Breaking your word is low!"


    Tarquin furrowed his brow, "I''m just discussing it with you!"


    “Well, let me make it clear, I don''t agree! End of discussion!"


    Tarquin saw her strong opposition, he frowned but didn''t lose his temper or force the issue. His son was nearby, and he wasn''t about to upset her and make his son unhappy. Plus, what if she really was the one he was looking for? If he upset her now, he might regret itter.


    "If you don''t agree, then you don''t agree. I was just asking," he said, trying to appear nonchnt.


    Elysia took a deep breath to calm herself down before asking, “So, can Elijah go with meter?" "Sure, I''ll drive you over, and pick you upter."


    Seeing his agreement, Elysia lit up, "No need for a ride, Elijah and I can take a cab back."


    Tarquin gave her a look, "I''m offering a ride for safety reasons."


    Elysia paused, then nodded, "I get it."


    Later that afternoon, afterpleting the discharge procedures, the trio left the hospital. Elijah was eager to hang out with his buddies, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, so he was in a great mood. Elysia was all smiles too, thinking about the happy times ahead, she couldn''t contain her joy. Tarquin''s mood was harder to read. Not exactly happy, but not sad either, his expression was inscrutable.


    They rode in the same family Volkswagen, with Lowell driving and the trio in the back. Elijah was sandwiched between Elysia and Tarquin.


    Midway, they stopped for a bit, Tarquin and Lowell stepped out. Elysia thought they were just hitting the restroom, but when they returned, their arms were loaded with bags of snacks and various gifts, enough to fill the trunk.


    Elysia was surprised, "Why all this? You''re not evening up."


    Tarquin replied coolly, "It''s a little something for Elijah''s visit. A token of appreciation.”


    Elysia, "...." You had to give it to him, he was thoughtful when it came to Elijah. When Elliot, Evan, and Emmett went over to their friends'' houses in the neighborhood, she liked to prepare some treats or small toys for them to take along too. It''s the little things that parents do. No matter what she thought of him, as a father, he was doing alright.


    Arriving at the apartmentplex, Elysia and Elijah got out, and Blossom was already waiting at the entrance. To avoid Tarquining up, Elysia had arranged for Blossom to meet them outside.


    Seeing them, Blossom cheerfully greeted, "Elysia!" But as she approached and caught sight of Tarquin, she froze in her tracks!