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.

cradling the child, was at a loss. His family had him cornered, and explanations

at Anya's class reunion, there were guys interested in her, guys she found repulsive, and that she needed him

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 bring up embarrassing childhood stories, okay?

me, and the air in the car-who are

bit her lip

Leo's last visit to the Gordons; for the rest of the journey,

at the door for their precious daughter.

of her parents, but she soon realized that outside of

a gentlemanly young nobleman, reminiscent of

he was particularly amiable towards

than just a privileged young master; he had the audacity of youth and the humility of the earnest,

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

invited Leo to

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

Anya nodded, "Very."

about keeping me

replied simply, "It makes me

as Leo was gearing up to leave, Anya's class reunion unexpectedly popped

there are two guys in my class who've been after me. Can you

bemused, "Do

head, gazing

being handsome supposed to

my... brother, and tell them to back

Anya was acting like a little kid-like a second-grader calling in

the reunion?" he asked with a look of disdain,

afternoon, Leo dropped Anya

classmates was already waiting for

Leo, they were all

was he with Miss Anya