Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Chunky sheepishly swallowed back the pride that was just about to burst out. "I want instant noodles."

"Okay, ramen coming up."

Mia had also gotten her college acceptance letter. Jamie couldn't help but post the news on Facebook, grinning from ear to ear, and the whole family already knew about Mia's happiness.

Henry hadn't seen his uncle in days, and he missed him a lot. Every time he got in trouble and his dad dragged him off for a lecture, he'd stubbornly protest, "I want Uncle Cooper~"

Mia just shook her head, "Your uncle's overseas right now. You'll have to wait."

During the day, Henry's dad rounded him up while six housekeepers watched him turn the place upside down. Around noon, Mia would grab a nap, then wake up to teach her son how to throw tiny punches before cuddling him back to sleep. She'd read, jot down notes, and go back to her studies.

In the late afternoon, with the sun setting and painting the sky gold, Andre came home.

The pool, warmed through by the day, was perfect. Andre spotted his chubby- cheeked boy playing by the edge and headed right over.

"Daddy!" Henry yelled, dripping wet and grinning.

Andre changed out of his work clothes and jumped in to join him.

On weekends, if Mia had spent too many days indoors, Andre would haul her out of the house for some fresh air-hiking, lakeside picnics, whatever adventure popped up.

Chad had time off too, so he joined them, bringing Mia and Henry up into the mountains to escape the summer heat.

Once they arrived, Henry was a bundle of excitement, impossible to rein in. He clung to his dad's hand, but kept leaning over to stare at the big, lazy carp in the lake. "Daddy, I want fishy, not daddy."

Andre nudged his head back upright, and, realizing he was fighting a losing battle, just scooped him up.

Chad took a turn carrying him around, too.

The sisters spotted the icy mountain stream, kicked off their shoes, and ignoring their sons-ran off, hand in hand. "Whoa, that's freezing-feels amazing! Dad, come join us!"noveldrama

Hansen hobbled over with his cane, wanting to see what all the fuss was about. Andre eyed the mossy rocks. "Dad, you're not a kid anymore. If you take a tumble, it's not going to end well."

Hansen shot him a look. "Oh, hush, don't jinx me."

Still worried, Andre handed Henry to his brother-in-law and helped his dad over to the girls.

Hansen peeled off his shoes and splashed into the water. "Hey, this is great!"

Henry watched, eyes wide and full of longing.

There were a bunch

of kids playing

around. Suddenly, a little

boy-maybe four or five-lost his balance and nearly got swept downstream. Mia, standing further down, didn't hesitate for a second. She rushed over and caught him just in time.

The boy's weight knocked Mia to her knees in the water. Andre saw it happen, and without even taking off his shoes, splashed in after her. He slipped on the mossy rocks but

caught himself, hurrying over to Mia.

Henry, seeing his mom almost fall, burst out crying on the shore, his little fists clenching. "Mommy, come up! Come here, please!"

Mia's dress was soaked halfway up.

The little boy's parents rushed over, thanking Mia over and over.

Andre reached Mia, concern all over his face. "Are you cold?"

"I'm fine, babe. Didn't even hurt."

Andre bent down and wrung out the hem of her dress. Molly clung tight to their dad's hand, leading Hansen back to the bank, then waded over to Mia. "Mia, let me check your leg."

"Andre?" The little boy's dad stared at Andre in surprise, then looked at Mia. "Wait, are you Mrs. Cedillo?"

Mia flashed a sweet, sunny smile. "That's me."

Meanwhile, Henry was still sobbing on the riverbank, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Mommy! Carry me, Mommy, please!"