He wrote warm wishes to Elizabeth Gonzalez and Kendrick, reminiscing about all the little moments they''d shared, showing not a trace of gloominess.


    Even Elysia Thorne noticed something was different!


    After all these years together, this was the first time he''d been soid-back while dealing with anything rted to Elizabeth and Kendrick.


    After dinner, Tarquin Bradford was getting ready to head out to the Punikon gym for a sparring match.


    While Elysia helped him fix his shirt and straighten his tie, she couldn''t help but tease, "You and Elliot were upstairs alone after lunch-what did you two talk about that''s got you in such a good mood?"


    Tarquin couldn''t hide his pride. "Elliot said I''m a great dad. That I''m an amazing father and a pretty decent guy overall."


    A smile curled at Elysia''s lips. "No wonder you''re so happy! Your son''s stamp of approval, huh?"


    Tarquin nodded. “That''s the nicest thing anyone''s ever said to me.”


    Elysia finished with his tie, letting her hands rest on his shoulders. "Well, I think you''re not only a wonderful dad-you''re also a pretty fantastic husband."


    Tarquin''s eyes narrowed yfully. "Now that''s the sweetest thing I''ve ever heard." He slid his hand around her waist, pulled her close, and kissed her deeply. Elysia rose up on her toes, melting into his kiss.


    By the time they broke apart, both of them were a little breathless.


    Still leaning against him, Elysia warned, "Okay, I''ll stay home like you want, but if youe back hurt, I swear, you''re sleeping in the guest room for a month-no exceptions!"


    Tarquin swallowed hard, his voice low and teasing, "What if Ie back in one piece? Do I get a reward?"


    Elysia knew exactly where this was headed. Blushing furiously, she whispered, "I''ll give you a surprise."


    "What kind of surprise?" he pressed.


    She rolled her eyes. "If I tell you, it''s not a surprise anymore, is it?"


    Tarquin grinned. "You even know what I like?"


    "You like me," she shot back without hesitation.


    Heughed a grin so handsome it looked like it belonged in a graphic novel.


    Leaning in, he whispered something in her ear, then nipped at her earlobe. Elysia turned beet red and wriggled out of his arms. "You just go already!" But Tarquin pulled her right back in. "Did you hear what I said?"


    Her face was zing. “Uh-huh."


    He chuckled, ruffled her hair, and kissed her forehead, clearly reluctant to let her go.


    When his phone finally rang, he sighed in defeat. "Lowell''s calling. Guess I really have to leave now."


    Elysia gave him onest warning, "Don''t get yourself hurt! I''d rather you forfeit than get injured, got it?"


    Tarquin affectionately tapped her nose. "Don''t worry, I have no intention of sleeping in the guest room. Just rx and wait for me I''ll be home early if I can."


    They indulged in a few more minutes of cuddling before Tarquin finally headed downstairs.


    Lowell was waiting by the door, rolling his eyes. "Ever since you fell for your wife, you''ve checked out on


    everyone


    and everything else is love


    really that powerful?"


    belongs to s<fn3ae6> This content belongs to find?novel</fn3ae6>


    Tarquin slid into the backseat, scrolling through news on his phone without looking


    up. "Single guys don''t get to weigh in on love."


    Lowell pursed his lips and gave a dramatic eye roll.


    As he started the car and pulled away from the house, his phone buzzed again. He nced at the screen but didn''t answer. Punikon a


    granddad reached out-wants to talk


    before your match, privately."  s


    Tarquin didn''t hesitate. "Not interested."


    Punikon''s grandfather worked at the embassy, so he definitely knew who


    Tarquin was. If the old man came to


    plead his case, Tarquin would be stuck deciding whether to go along. with it or not. Better to just avoid it altogether.  s