Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

When it came to Leo, the whole family was buzzing with speculation that he had dropped Anya off and might never return. Even Hansen couldn't help but throw in his two cents: "What's up with him? Trying to be the Gordons' permanent son-in-law, celebrating Christmas with them now?"

Just then, the sound of a car engine shutting off echoed from the front yard.

No need to wonder anymore-whoever was missing was obviously back.

Not a single person got up to greet Leo; they all stayed put in the living room, waiting for the prodigal son to walk in.

Two minutes later, Leo stepped out of the car and strode into the living room. The seemingly deserted front yard, save for the help bustling about, gave him the impression that the house was empty.

Even little Henry wasn't making his usual "wah-wah" cries.

But as Leo entered the living room and saw the rows of family members occupying every inch of the couch-Henry included-he recoiled slightly under their collective gaze. Trying to play it cool, he blurted out, "Jeez! I come home and not a single person greets me at the door? What, is everyone hibernating for the winter?"

Molly chimed in with a teasing grin, "Well, look who it is the Gordons' favorite son-in-law. What brings you back to your 'mom's' house all of a sudden?"

Not to be outdone, Leo shot back, "And if it isn't the Byrne family's lady of leisure, who never crosses the threshold unless it's a holiday. What's your excuse for popping by 'mom's' house?"

The jab was a subtle reminder to Molly that her situation with Chad was still up in the air, and she might need Leo's help-so she'd better watch her sharp tongue.

Sure enough, Molly glanced at her old man and bit back her retort.

Mia jumped in, "What've you been up to these past few days?"

"Just dropping off Anya."

"And does dropping off Anya take that long?" Mia asked, a sly grin spreading across her face.

Leo, holding baby Henry in his arms, began to explain, "Well, there was Anya's class reunion-I was the driver. Anya went shopping for your presents-I was the driver. Anya and her mom went for high tea-yep, you guessed it, I was the driver." Mia raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening, "Oh, a class reunion, huh?"

Molly seized the moment, "Wow, chauffeuring the mother-in-law too, no less."

Naomi, joining in the family roast with a chuckle, added, "Leo, you've never taken your mom out for high tea." It wasn't a real complaint, more of a playful jab to join her daughters in poking fun at her son.

child, was at a loss. His family had

he possibly explain to them that at Anya's class reunion, there were guys interested in her, guys she found repulsive, and that

Anya at her place, Leo pointed to the garden fountain in the courtyard of the Gordon residence. "Anya, wasn't that the fountain you fell into last time, screaming for help?" Anya, her voice soft and coquettish, pleaded, "Chad, let's not

just you, me, and the air in

bit her lip

the rest of the journey, Anya

door for their precious daughter.

front of her parents, but she soon

nobleman, reminiscent

amiable towards Leo, a young man whose actions and words bore a

a privileged young master; he had the audacity of youth and the humility of

departure. But Anya, unwilling to let him go so quickly, tugged at him, "Chad, don't leave in such a hurry. Let me show you around my home, will you?" Leo declined, but Anya turned to her parents. "Mom, Dad, when I came back, the Cedillos had prepared so many gifts for you. You can't let

Leo to

at Anya's enthusiastic invitation, Leo accompanied her for a

Anya nodded, "Very."

good about keeping

simply, "It makes

gearing up

two guys in my class who've been after me. Can you drop me off to

asked, bemused, "Do I look that

shook her head, gazing

handsome supposed to scare

devised a plan, "Just pretend you're my... brother,

acting like a little kid-like a second-grader calling in her sixth-grade brother for backup in

with a look of disdain, though his

Leo dropped Anya

classmates was

they were

he? And why was he with Miss Anya