Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"Honey, you're finally home! You seriously need to have a word with your son-

he's on his second ice cream today. I've only had one!" The family's Chief

Complainer was at it again.

Henry just shook his head, face smeared with ice cream. "Mommy's fibbing~"

This time, Mia was genuinely innocent-she'd only had one. Falsely accused, she

scooped Henry up and gave his little bottom a gentle pat. "You're the one who's

had two, mister."

Henry kept happily munching away, completely unbothered.

Honestly, even if he got a smack on the butt now, didn't his mom always end up

cuddling him to sleep anyway?

Coleen came home, and Molly left with her kids.

Mrs. Calder arrived back in town, but the three of them skipped the Cedillo house

and headed straight for a hotel instead.

They planned to swing by Anya's, and once summer vacation rolled around, take

their daughter back home for a while.

Anya was busy worrying about how to break the news to her boyfriend. When Leo

found out, he thought it over and said, "Going home sounds good. Take a break

when vacation starts. Mia's cramming for the bar, Jade's working those two are

always hoping you'll watch their kids. Don't get roped into that. Just go home and

enjoy yourself."

Anya puffed out her cheeks. "Chad, are you getting tired of me already?"

Leo just stared at her, completely baffled. Wasn't she always the one trying to run

off? "Aren't you the one who keeps saying you want some space?"

Anya frowned. "You just wanted to sleep with me, and now that you've had your

fill, home isn't as exciting anymore. Aunt Molly says all guys are the same."

Leo rolled his eyes. "Molly, seriously, how does she even survive in this world?"

He tried again: "I'm just busy this summer and can't be around much. I didn't want

you to be lonely, that's why I said you could go home. 'Tired of you'? Your littlenoveldrama

head is always filled with the weirdest thoughts."

Because Anya had started doubting her own charm, Leo made sure that night to

prove-without a doubt that he found her even more irresistible than ever.

The next morning, Leo was up and dressed, opening the bedroom door to see his

girlfriend still tangled up in the covers. "Hey, I'm heading to campus. Breakfast's

on the table, don't forget to eat, alright?"

Anya rolled over, giving him her back in silent protest.

Leo couldn't help but grin at the love

bites scattered on her shoulders.

"Maybe just stay in today, okay?

Wouldn't want your parents spotting

those."

He paused at the door. "I'm off!"

Then he closed it behind him and answered a call from the dean.

Early that morning, Andre was also rushing out for work.

The house felt suddenly empty for

Henry. When he woke up and saw

his brothers weren't there, and it was

just Dad helping him wash up, he

started to whimper.

Andre sighed, "Sorry, buddy. Your mom and I can't exactly get you a new

playmate on demand."

He got Henry cleaned up and carried him downstairs so they could eat breakfast

together.

In the dining room, Grandpa Hansen joined them not long after. "Come here, you

little squish~"

By now, everyone in the Cedillo family had picked up the baby talk. "Morning, little

guy."

Hansen sat down, and Andre

handed him a warm bun. "Mia and I

are heading to the Irvin's tonight.

Henry's grandma is back in town, so

we'll stop by for a visit."

Hansen nodded. "Alright, give your old man a couple days of peace, will you?"

Seeing Dad pass Grandpa a bun, Henry eagerly grabbed his own and held it out

to Grandpa, just like Dad.

Hansen's face lit up. He showered his grandson with praise, beaming with pride.

Henry wrinkled his little nose, smiling shyly.

"Is Mia still asleep?"