Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

As the New Year's bells chimed, another year began to unfold. Time marched on, year after year, day after day. Andre gazed at the newest addition to his family, his son's very first year in this world. He hoped for nothing but health and happiness for his little one.

At the stroke of midnight, the baby let out a yawn, snuggled and cozy, and nestled into his father's arms for sleep. Andre carefully pulled a crisp bill from his wallet and gently tucked it into his son's onesie, a modern twist on the traditional red envelope. It was Andre's first year as a father. The next morning, the baby was startled awake by the sound of fireworks booming outside. His grandfather had decided to set them off at the crack of dawn, the loud crackling and popping sending the little one into a fit of tears.

Mia tried her best to shield her son from the noise, but it was of little use.

Hearing the commotion, Andre rushed inside, knowing his son might be frightened. He took the baby from his wife's arms, comforting him, "Don't be scared, daddy's got you."

Once the fireworks ceased, the baby's tears slowly dried up as he peered out at a world unlike any he'd seen before.

Outside, a blanket of white covered everything. Overnight snow heralded a year of bounty.

The yard was dazzlingly white, the snow like a cleansing for the world. The remains of the vibrant firework wrappers dotted the landscape as the housekeeper swept them up with a broom.

The fireworks had been Leo's doing. Clad in slippers, he stomped the snow off his feet at the entrance, making a bit of a mess.

The baby's gaze followed his older brother.

Leo, still in his pajamas under his coat, approached and clapped his hands playfully at the baby, "Come here, let big brother hold you."

The sweet smell of milk lingered as the infant settled once again into his brother's arms.

The house was filled with a warmth it had never known before.

Hansen sat in the living room, chuckling and answering New Year's calls from friends and family.

The fireworks didn't manage to wake Jade, though. She continued to sleep.

Even after Henry had dressed and missed breakfast, Jade was still in bed.

Mia took her son to her best friend's bedroom, laying him beside her on the bed.

now, be

moment, but Molly finally stirred, her hair a mess as she sat up, blinking away

turned over to tuck him in, patting him gently,

than five minutes of silence, a yell came from the bedroom, "Mia, come

Mia didn't budge.

"Mia,

wake Jade, except for a visit from Mia

for a

his dear aunt, who had to continue to dote on

don't even know when I fell asleep last night. I was on a video call with Chad for four hours, and by the end, I was so tired I barely knew what was happening. I just kept nodding off and have

had the magic touch, and

sending him off with the three little ones and the youngest

and her husband stayed behind to host any

the New Year, Mia visited her parents, while Molly went to her future

the walk-in closet was Molly's favorite

even persuade her, Jade spoke up on his behalf, "Since it's perfect, why not just move all my clothes in now? It'll save

"Are you saying exactly what I was thinking?

new closet calls for

laughed helplessly, "Then after the wedding,

daughter, "Have you picked out a

Coleen pressed, "You haven't even looked at

Molly remained quiet.

do you understand? Your father has set the date for March, and look at what month it is now. You were out and about with Chad often before the New Year; what were you doing? Your wedding seems like someone else's affair; you're not involved at all." Kendrick tried to calm his wife,

indeed knew nothing and had no idea where to start or any sense

somewhat, aware of the Cedillo family's situation. With Mrs. Cedillo gone, Naomi had her hands full and couldn't attend to her, and Mia was still too naive to know anything about weddings.

her.

both mother