Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Chad was in the middle of his shift at the fire station when his phone buzzed in his pocket. It was his mom, Coleen. "Chad, I've decided to give my blessing to your marriage to Molly."

Chad froze, nearly dropping the wrench in his hand. His mom had always been hesitant about Molly. "But dealing with the Cedillo family-that's on you. Your dad and I will handle the necessary niceties, but you're going to have to charm them on your own." A whirlwind of emotions swept through Chad. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

Coleen's voice softened, filled with the image of her daughter who had just visited. "You might want to ask Molly about that."

After hanging up, Coleen leaned back in her study chair, closing her eyes, the memory of her daughter's arrival vivid in her mind. Chad, still at work, ended the call and bolted up, leaving the station in a hurry. His crewmates were clueless about his sudden exit. "New case?" Bob asked the others.

Donnie shrugged. "Have you ever seen the boss bolt out for a case? Nah, it's gotta be Molly."

Meanwhile, at Molly's place, she had just returned from her exams and was slowly packing to head back to the Cedillo family home. She hesitated as she folded her clothes and arranged her books, her face flushing at the thought of the impulsive words she had spoken to her mother.

The door swung open, and in walked Chad, back from his shift earlier than expected. Molly paused, a sock in hand, and looked up in confusion. "Aren't you supposed to be at work? What's got you rushing back?"

Chad's emotions had been a torrent on his way over, but seeing her about to leave calmed the storm in him. He closed the door behind him and said, "Mom called." Molly was silent.

gently taking the sock from her hand. "You went to

her lip and

"Why?"

Chad. But Chad wasn't having it. He gently grasped her arms and turned her to face him. "Why did

her heartbeat quickening at the mere sight of him. "Because she said she'd only agree if I talked to her, so I

feelings, especially to his mother. He had been pondering ways to convince his own parents without pressuring her. "I want to know why you agreed to be with

you

an embrace. Leaning in, his lips hovered over hers, "Three

trying to break free. But her action only drew him in closer. "Second chance, gone." Now, Chad's lips were just a whisper away from Molly's. She

mother for

murmur. "Not the answer

Molly confessed, her heart racing.