Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1468

Evan presented Tarquin with a model fighter jet. “This is the first fighter jet I designed all by myself. It can drive on land, fly in the sky, and even go underwater! It’s also my favorite model. Grandpa Walter says it’s destined to be a god of war! I’m giving it to you, and I hope you can be as invincible and unstoppable as it is, Daddy!” Evan’s words were full of bravado.

Elijah’s, on the other hand, were filled with affection. “This is for you, Daddy. From now on, you have to be like Grandpa and do jigsaw puzzles with us.” Elijah had personally made a jigsaw puzzle of the world map. The color scheme and material were identical to the one they had found in Kendrick’s coffin. It was a gift filled with memories and a continuation of love.

Tarquin looked at the model and the puzzle, then hugged Evan and Elijah tightly. “Thank you, Evan and Elijah. I love them! I really, really love them! Your gifts are all amazing!”

“Daddy, this is my birthday present for you,” Elliot said, handing him a picture frame. Instead of a photo, the frame held four award certificates.

‘Best Son Award’, presented by: Kendrick and Elizabeth

‘Best Son-in-Law Award’, presented by: Clayton and Pamela

‘Best Husband Award’, presented by: Elysia

‘Best Father Award’, presented by: Elliot, Evan, Emmett, Elijah, and Baby

Except for Kendrick and Elizabeth’s, all the signatures were handwritten.

Elliot, wearing a white shirt and a bow tie, looked like a more serious version of Tarquin. He held the frame and explained, “I cut Grandpa and Grandma’s signatures from their old notebooks, so in a way, they’re authentic. I’m sure they would have been happy to give you this award.”

Tarquin’s eyes welled up as he looked at the four certificates. Each of the children’s gifts represented their deep love, but Elliot’s gift encapsulated everyone’s love for him. To be recognized as a son, a son-in-law, a husband, and a father—that was the highest honor.

Clayton turned away to wipe his eyes, then handed Tarquin a manila envelope. “This is from your mother and me for your birthday.”

Tarquin quickly took it and opened it. Inside were shares of Hawkins Sea-freight.

Tarquin was stunned. “?!”

“I know you don’t need the money,” Clayton said, “but it’s a token of our appreciation. Please accept it.”

To anyone else, a 20% stake in Hawkins Sea-freight was a mountain of gold. For Tarquin, it was true that he didn’t need the money. But he knew that Hawkins Sea-freight was Clayton’s life’s work. For Clayton to give him a piece of his life’s work as a birthday present—the sentiment behind it was worth more than a thousand mountains of gold.