"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 came out.


    "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 to


    me that you care so much. It makes me feel 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 some sleep,


    alright?"


    Elijah nodded, climbed into bed, and snuggled under the patchwork quilt.


    "Goodnight, Mom."


    "Goodnight, sweetheart."


    She tucked the nket around him, making sure he was warm, then left for her


    own room.


    Tarquin was already lying in bed, themp 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 about me


    about 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."


    "If one of my friends was in that spot now, I don''t know if I''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


    time I look at them, I know I made


    the right choice. We''ve been through


    so much, and somehow, we ended


    up together. My life feelsplete."


    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 gratitude, not


    to make you feel guilty."


    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.