Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1592

Bernard added, “But I’m not sad about it. Not at all. Seeing you again… you have no idea how happy that made me.” “I honestly thought I’d never get the chance to sit down and have a meal with you again, to talk with you face-to-face. Then you showed up with Evan.” “You know, when I was teaching him, I intentionally held back a few moves. I figured only you would be able to recognize my style in his fighting.” Bernard tilted his head back, looking up at the sky through the gaps in the leaves. “I think fate has been pretty good to me. I was abandoned by my birth parents, but I was found by our mentor and his wife.” “Then they had you, and I gained a little brother. Life was perfect.” “Later, after they were both gone, I couldn’t be there for you, and I was very lonely. But right then, I met Gerald and the others…” “And when I was getting old, worrying I had no one to carry on my legacy, Elysia and Evan appeared.” “And you… even though I still haven't avenged our mentor and his wife, even though I failed to take care of you, you were still willing to forgive me…” “My life… I’d say it’s been a full one.” His greatest regret was that their mission was still unfinished. Gerald and Howard were likely gone, and now he was on his way out. It would be difficult for Quincy, Walter, and the old lady to finish the work that remained. And he wouldn't get to spend more time with his brother, or watch Evan grow up… “Jeremy, when I’m gone, I need you to look after my friends here in the mountains for me.” “If they need help with anything, and you can help, please do. They’re good people. Great people, in fact.” “One day, if you get the chance to know their stories, you’ll understand. They are worthy of your help, and your respect.” “You also have to help me look after Evan. He’s my successor, but he’s yours too, and the Warner family’s.” “The kid has talent, a strong moral compass, and with Walter’s guidance… even our mentor and his wife would have loved him. The future of the Warner family rests on his shoulders.” “You have to watch over him. Don’t let him make the same mistakes I did. Even if he wants revenge, he has to be smart about it, not reckless.” “And you. You’re the only one left from our generation of the Warner family. You have to be even more careful. If something happens to you, the Warner family will be well and truly finished.” Hearing Bernard lay out his last wishes, the old man lowered his head and wept. … When Evan got back to the cabin, only Quincy and the old lady were there. The old lady was in her lab, studying the 8th-generation virus, while Quincy was practicing his calligraphy. Seeing Evan return alone, Quincy looked up in surprise. “Evan, where’s Bernard?” “Great-grandpa’s talking with my great-uncle. They’ll be back later. Where’s my brother and everyone else?” Quincy looked curious. “The old-timer is with Bernard? I thought he went with Elliot and Walter to the signal station to call your dad and let him know you’re all safe.” Evan paused. “I didn’t see my brother or Walter.” The boy glanced at the wristband he used in the mountains. “My great-uncle must have left first. Walter and my brother are already on their way back. They’re almost here.” Evan walked over to Quincy’s side. “‘Peace, Joy, and Health. A Life Smooth and Without Worry’… This one is great! Quincy, can I have this piece?” “Of course you can. If you like it, Evan, it’s yours.” “I love it, thank you, Quincy! I want to hang it in Bernard’s room, to wish him joy, peace, and good health.” Hearing this, Quincy’s hand faltered, a flash of pain in his eyes. Evan loved Bernard so much. If Bernard was gone… it would shatter the boy’s heart.