Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Molly hadn't really planned that far ahead, but her mom, Coleen, was already laying out the future.

"Thinking about having kids? That's way down the line for me."

Coleen chuckled, "Don't be so sure. Once you're married, if you're not careful, babies come along quicker than you'd think. You might not even realize it until it's too late."

Molly reclined in the passenger seat, absorbing her mom's mystical advice. It reminded her of her friend Mia, who had also found herself unexpectedly pregnant shortly after tying the knot.

Resting a hand on her stomach, Molly remembered how confidently she once believed she wouldn't be caught off guard. Now, she wasn't so sure.

"Mom, is the morning-after pill still effective if you take it more than 24 hours later?"

Coleen just sighed.

Their conversation meandered to lighter topics after that, the kind of easy, pleasant chat that felt like basking in the simple joys of life.

When the topic of how many kids she might want came up, Molly found herself surprisingly open to the idea.

It was as if Mia's words had unlocked something in her. "Once you've crossed that bridge, everything else just falls into place naturally."

as if it was all too intimate. But now, with everything out in the open, having children seemed like a natural part of life

I reckon he'd be overwhelmed with just one. Kids are adorable in small doses. You think they're the cutest

if the troubles of the world were someone else's concern. After their chat, Coleen drove Molly around, taking in the local sights and enjoying a bit of a photo

her mom's spirits up; whatever drama

discovered the car gone and called the dynamic duo, now shopping at

of an earlier commotion was evident by

and Grandpa Elmer looked visibly upset, while Molly and Coleen

the household busied themselves with chores. Kendrick and his son cleaned up the yard, Grandpa Elmer tended to the vegetable garden, and Coleen cooked dinner. Molly, less helpful in the kitchen, was sent to assist her grandmother with the bedding. Seeing her grandmother's spirits low, Molly

I bought you, why don't we go to town

dear. I'll just

move to the city with us? You've always refused because you didn't want to impose, but

seemed unconvinced,

is a good thing. I know this

to Grandma Aubree's eyes. Molly hugged her, offering a mix of consolation and pragmatism. "Look at it this way, at least she didn't steal from someone else and end up in jail. It's just a local scandal, nothing

didn't give up. "What if she comes back, causing more trouble? That's

enter the room, were both roped into Molly's plan without even

It was a big decision, leaving a lifetime of memories

to dip below the horizon, Coleen had dinner ready, and the family of six gathered in the backyard to enjoy the meal. During dinner, Coleen suggested they should consider moving back home soon, to tidy up and secure the house. After