Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

But after last night, neither of them had called again—not at noon, not in the afternoon. "Leo even tried calling Anya a few times. That's really not like him." Unless, of course, the guys had figured out their sweet wives had been fibbing!

Hansen, realizing his kids were about to land themselves in big trouble, couldn't hold back his laughter. “Looks like you're about to get what's coming to you. Serves you right for not coming home-your old man would never dare pull a stunt like that."

His daughter-in-law shot back, "Andre always figures us out. You really think he doesn't know what you're up to?"

Hansen's laughter died instantly. "No way. My friends and I are tighter than you lot. We keep things locked down."

His daughter grinned, "Want to bet? I could just share those embarrassing karaoke videos of yours on Facebook with Andre."

The smile slid right off Hansen's face.

Father and daughter both whipped out their phones-one scrambling to delete evidence, the other racing to save it.

But the old man's fingers just couldn't keep up. Molly grinned, triumphant. "Too late, Dad. I saved the video!"

Hansen: "..."

The grandparents on the side watched the playful back-and-forth and burst out laughing.

Just then, Henry piped up, "Papa, karaoke~"

Hansen panicked. "What? What karaoke? Grandpa never did karaoke!" How did Henry suddenly pick up on this?

Henry sat on Grandpa's lap, lips all pouty and adorable. "You did~"

In a huff, Hansen plopped his precious grandson on the floor and stood up. "That's it-I'm moving the family plot!"

Henry, delighted, followed after his great-grandpa. "Let's go, Papa~"

Hansen, red with frustration, glared at his grandson. "Go home with your mom!"

"Papa's house!" The little rascal raised his chubby hand, saying something cheeky while acting completely adorable.

"You're just like your mom-always driving me up the wall and melting my heart at the same time."

That morning, Andre was off his game at work. He kept leaning back in his chair, rubbing his temples to shake off the fatigue. At lunch,

almost called his wife and ki donet"

but

stopped himself—he wanted to keep Mia on her toes. sŵnovel

Chad, over at the precinct, wasn't much better. He made himself a strong cup of tea to try to snap out of it.

Donnie strolled over. "Boss, why are you wiped out? I did the school presentation for you last night, so you could get home early to your gorgeous wife and cute kids."

Officer Chad took a sip and asked, "Donnie, where was Stephania last night?"

Donnie froze, caught off guard, and stammered, "Uh... my wife? She was definitely at home with me. Why?"

Chad waved him off. "No reason." So Stephania hadn't snuck out.

Donnie hesitated, then asked, "Boss, do you have a secret stash of cash?" Chad turned to look at him. "Why?"

Donnie shrugged. "Never mind. Since you started working, you've never even seen your salary, and Molly buys all your clothes. You're basically broke."

Officer Chad: "...'"

Donnie wandered off, then called over to another officer, "Hey, Steve, you got a secret stash?"

Chad shot him a look but said nothing, heading back to his office.

At lunch, both men managed to sneak in a quick nap.

That evening, they both headed home.noveldrama

At the door, two grown-ups and four little ones stood like pint-sized sentries, waiting for them.

The second they got out of the car,

the kids rushed over for hugs-each flinging themselves into their parent's arms, all warmth and giggles, a little mischief in the mix. Maddie was being dramatic June was pure sweetness; and the littlest one just wanted to be held.

Andre suddenly felt a soft, pudgy, little hand slip into his. Mia tipped her head, gazing up at him with those big eyes, her words landing straight in his heart: "Honey, Mia loves you."