Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

The first meeting wasn't exactly a piece of cake, but at least it got things rolling.

Chad didn't hang around long at the Cedillo household before taking his leave, and Molly rushed out to see him off. The night air was crisp, with a cold moon hidden behind thick clouds, casting an eerie glow over the desolate yard. Tears glistened in Molly's eyes. "Chad, I told you, my family isn't going to welcome you with open arms."

Chad chuckled as he wiped away her tears. "I figured as much. But hey, I wasn't kicked out, so there's still hope for us."

Back inside, the Cedillo family was still gathered. Mia, breaking the silence, finally said, "A thousand words couldn't make it clearer-Molly's into him."

Later that night, as Andre cuddled their son and watched Mia make the bed, he asked, "Mia, did you tell Dad to go downstairs?"

Mia didn't beat around the bush. "I thought he should step in. It's better for Molly in the long run. Think about it-if you were trying to marry me and my dad refused to see you, leaving only Cooper to face you, wouldn't you hold a grudge against him after we got married?" "No," Andre replied without hesitation.

Mia paused, finishing up their son's crib, and then picked up the little one to change him. Andre came over to help. "Why do you think Molly and Chad are a good match?"

As Mia laid their naked baby on the bed, she turned to Andre with a determined look. "Alright, honey, let's hear it. You tell me what's wrong with Chad, and I'll counter. If you can out-argue me tonight, I'll drop it. But if you can't, that means you agree he's a good match, and you've got to give your blessing."

Andre, smart enough to avoid his wife's trap, moved to dress their squirming son. The baby seemed to protest his father's clumsy attempts, and just as his face turned red, about to cry, Andre handed the baby over to Mia.

In her soft embrace, the baby calmed down. Mia stripped off his onesie. "Honey, run the bath. He needs a clean-up-our little guy's a stinker today."

The little stinker stayed quiet as his parents skillfully dodged the topic of Molly and Chad. Andre didn't want to upset Mia, and Mia didn't want to lose her temper.

After a bath and fresh clothes, Andre lay in bed, watching their son flail his arms and kick his legs, smelling sweet and clean. He teased his son's lips with a finger. "Your mom's getting fierce these days, huh? Even Dad doesn't dare cross her, right?" "Mmmhmm," the baby gurgled.

Mia become the

"Mmm, yeah."

son's chubby cheek affectionately. "All this

Mia fetched water for their son,

the running tap, shrugged. "Cut it out. No need

had already guessed his intentions. That evening, she called her son.

bad,"

won't be easy to win over. Molly's just been reconnected with them, and if she's to marry back into our family, well, if I were Hansen, I wouldn't approve

Colleen nodded in agreement.

...

the Byrnes came calling happened to be a weekend when the entire Cedillo household was home. Their purpose was obvious, and everyone

Hansen was reluctant, he had to come out to meet the Byrnes, who were benefactors to the family. Andre was in the living room, burping his son when the guests arrived. The little one showed no signs of sleepiness. Anya's parents had been calling her to come home, and after several prompts, she agreed

pajamas and with messy hair, eyed

a proposal, they would have bolted at the sight. Unaware of her off-putting appearance, Jade made no move to change

Molly hurried upstairs.

the moment to bond with the Cedillo's treasured youngster, Henry. "I've only seen Henry a few times since he was born, and now he's grown so much, all chubby and cute. Andre, may I

party when he turned a month old. Although Colleen was invited, she

son over to Colleen. The baby didn't fuss at all in her

him close, her eyes filled with affection, Colleen remarked, "Henry's so adorable, with ears just like Hansen's. He's bound to

mother's knack for striking

a force to be reckoned with." She had just complimented the