Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

The butler looked over and asked, "Sir, your son-in-law hasn't given you any trouble, has he?"

Hansen just grumbled, "Chad can't even keep his wife in check-he's as rebellious as they come." With that, he headed back to his room.

Inside, Officer Chad was still trying to coax his son to sleep. He glanced at Molly, sprawled across the bed with her hair a mess, lost in her dreams. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

By the time Hansen woke up the next day, it was already noon. He found out the kids had devoured all the good food last night without saving him a bite. He was in a mood about it the rest of the day.

That evening, Andre came home from work and stopped by their favorite deli, picking up a few orders of cold noodles.

When he got home, his three kids—oldest to youngest—were lined up at the front door, waiting for him.

"Babe, did you get my favorite?" Mia called out, grinning.

Andre handed her a box with a wink. "This one's yours, Mia."

Hansen limped over, cane in hand. "Which one's for your old man?"

Andre passed another box to him. "Here you go, Dad."

Little Henry bounced around his dad's legs, practically ready to climb up into his arms. "Daddy! What about me?"

Andre scooped him up. "Yours has shrimp. Just the way you like it."

Later, even though dinner was over, everyone gathered around the table again for a midnight snack.

Henry started eyeing his mom's bowl halfway through his own. He stood on his chair, clutching his tiny chopsticks, and asked, "Mommy, do you love me?"

Mia just laughed. "If you want some, just ask. No need to sweet-talk me."

Molly hadn't been back to her parents' much lately-work had her running from meeting to meeting, and she was getting home late almost every night. Sometimes, she and her mom would carpool, sneaking in some rare mother- daughter time on the drive.

If Chad got off work early, he'd come home, grab his son, and head out for a walk. He'd let the little guy toddle ahead, keeping just enough distance to give him some freedom, but never letting him out of sight.

When Kendrick got home, he'd go find his son and grandson. "Looks like the women in this house are busier than ever," he'd joke.

Watching his youngest grandson wobble along, Kendrick turned to Chad. "You think Wayne will take over the family business, or follow our path?"

Chad looked down at his little boy and smiled. "Whatever he wants. My job's just to be there if he ever gets lost."

One day, Wayne reached a fork in the path during their walk. Henry was already there, stuck and unsure which way to go. Both Chad and Kendrick stood quietly behind them.

Wayne turned, looking a bit lost. "Daddy?"

Chad walked over, knelt down to meet his son's gaze, and pointed to each path. "Left, we can go pick up Molly and Grandma from work. Right, there's the park with the seesaw. What do you want, buddy?"

Wayne thought for a second, then grabbed his dad's finger. "Mommy."

Chad grinned, took his hand, and led him down the left path, eventually letting go

and watching his son waddle along like a little duckling.

Meanwhile, Leo's studio was finally finished, and their new sign "Pinnacle Tech"-was up.

Chunky gave him a look. “Honestly, I thought you'd name it after your little sister."

Leo shook his head. "No way. If the business doesn't make it, I don't want her name tied to it. That's just bad luck."noveldrama

"You're still superstitious?"

"Told you I'm old school."

Chunky stared at him. "Are you sure you're only in your twenties?"

Leo grinned. "Want to check my ID?"

After all the effort-Leo's relentless dieting, Chunky's

determination-Leo finally dropped fifteen pounds. Chunky swore off stress-eating for good, no matter what.

But on the day of their grand opening, with the place buzzing and confetti in the air, Chunky couldn't help himself. "Leo, today's a big day. Let's celebrate-how about a feast?"