Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Andre turned around. "So your heel's all better now, huh?"

Mrs. Cedillo pouted, "Still hurts~"

She darted off before he could say another word.

Andre stayed behind, squatting down to meet his son at eye level. "Why did you send Daddy's wine bottle rolling?"

Henry looked serious. "Daddy was playing."

"You want to play ball, huh?"

Henry nodded, bright-eyed. Mia hid just out of sight behind the stairs, sneaking a peek at the sweet father-son moment.

After a beat, Andre said, "Alright, you're off the hook too."

The next day, Andre walked in holding a brand new soccer ball. "Henry, come see what Daddy got you!"

And just like that, the living room at Maplewood Estates was transformed into a mini soccer field for three.

Andre nudged the ball over to Mia, who tapped it back to Henry. With a burst of energy, Henry kicked it over to his dad.

Even when Henry missed, Andre would just step over and trap the ball, no problem.

Henry bounced with excitement, clapping his little hands-every second was pure happiness for him.

After a long break, Chad was busy at work again, but he still called Molly every evening. "Which house are you at tonight?"

"Ours," Molly answered.

When Chad got home, he found his wife lounging on the sofa. "Didn't you and Mia have plans to build a snowman today?"

Molly hugged their son and planted a kiss on Wayne's chubby cheek. Lately, Wayne was getting so many cuddles from Mom that he'd just yawn and look confused, as if being a baby was hard work.

"We're building it tomorrow. Mia's over at Maplewood Estates with Henry-they got into something, but Andre sorted them out. She's been behaving herself for two days now," Molly grinned. "So, tomorrow we can all play together again." Chad headed upstairs to change, then came back down and gently took their son from Molly's arms, giving Wayne's cheek a playful poke. "Such a good boy."

Settling in beside her, Chad said, "Tomorrow, wake up a little earlier. I'll drop you off at your parents' before work."

Molly smiled, "Thanks for always taking care of us, Chad-"

At dawn the next morning, Officer Chad's car rolled into Molly's parents' driveway. He dropped off a yawning, pajama-clad Molly and their son, still bundled up and half-asleep.

She'd barely been dragged out of bed, still in pajamas, and went straight back home that way.noveldrama

Soon, Andre pulled up too.

When Henry hopped out, he knocked on the passenger door. "Mom, time to get out!"

But Mrs. Cedillo was nowhere to be seen-she'd reclined the passenger seat flat and was still dozing.

Molly came over, a little jealous. "Mia, that looks so comfy."

Why hadn't she thought to recline her seat and snooze on the way too? Oh, right —she'd needed to sit in the back and hold Wayne.

Mia climbed out, hair a mess, still bundled in her fuzzy pajamas under a thick winter coat. Molly teased, "You're home, why are you still wearing your coat?"

Mia shrugged, "Andre insisted. Said it was too cold and he didn't want me catching something. If I refused, he threatened to wrap me in a blanket."

Molly laughed, "At least Chad's more easygoing."

The guys took off for work, leaving the wives and kids behind.

They'd arrived so early, Hansen was still asleep. Only Bruce, heading out for his

own workday, caught sight of his sisters-in-law and nephews.

He gave Henry and Wayne a hug, then left for work in a great mood.

Around eight, Hansen finally woke up.