Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1516

The moment Dane opened the door, a neighbor called out, “Dane, what’s all the commotion?”

Dane’s brow was furrowed, his expression heavy. “Wyatt got into a fight and hurt someone. I’m taking them to the clinic.”

The townspeople started murmuring amongst themselves.

“That madman is completely off his rocker. Why does he always have to be fighting? He’s nothing but trouble for Dane!”

“Can’t he just stay out of trouble for once? Always picking fights!”

Hearing this, Wyatt grabbed a wooden stick and charged at them, raving like a lunatic.

The locals scattered in fear, shouting “He’s crazy!” as they ran.

They arrived at the small town clinic.

A doctor examined Lowell and said the injury was serious enough to need an IV with antibiotics to prevent infection.

Dane said, “Ma’am, could you please start his treatment? I need to take Wyatt back to the mountains, but I’ll be back soon. I’ll cover all his medical expenses.”

The doctor nodded with a sigh. “Go on, then.”

After Dane left, the doctor turned to Tarquin and Lowell. “You both look like men of means. I hope you won’t give Dane a hard time over this.”

“He’s a good kid. He only looks after Wyatt out of the kindness of his heart. Technically, what Wyatt does has nothing to do with him.”

Lowell nodded in agreement. “We understand. We don’t blame Dane. I guess it was just my bad luck.”

The doctor continued, “Dane’s had a rough life. His parents passed away early, leaving him to raise his younger brother all by himself. He had to be both a brother and a father to him. And as if that wasn’t enough, he has to worry about a madman on top of it all… sigh…”

“It’s only in the last couple of years, now that Dane’s grown up, that things have gotten a little better for them. Before that, life was incredibly hard…”

The doctor, worried they might cause trouble for Dane, kept emphasizing how difficult his life had been.

Lowell and Tarquin listened in silence, exchanging a knowing glance.

At one point, while the doctor stepped out to tend to another patient, Lowell whispered to Tarquin, “Did you find it?”

“It’s being retrieved,” Tarquin replied.

Lowell stiffened. “Why aren’t you with them?” he asked urgently.

“Any wishes for the new year?” Tarquin asked, abruptly changing the subject.

It took Lowell a moment to catch up. He then grinned and said, “Not really. I’m not short on time or money, I don't have any particular hobbies, and I’ve got no wife, kids, or family… Hey! How about you give me one of your little ones? They’re the only thing I’m interested in right now.”

Tarquin shot him a withering look. “Not a chance. If you want one, make your own.”

Lowell scoffed. “You’re asking the impossible. I don’t even have a girlfriend. Who’s going to have a kid for me?”

“If you don’t have a girlfriend, find one,” Tarquin said.

“Can’t find one.”

Tarquin glanced at him. “Your bonus is doubled this year. And by the way, from now on, you’re in charge of Dane’s affairs.”

Lowell was confused. “What do you mean, ‘in charge’?”

Tarquin explained, “His father and my father were old friends. If it weren’t for my father and the 8th-generation virus, their lives would have been much happier.”

Wyatt wouldn’t have to pretend to be insane; he could have been there to take care of Dane and Diaz.