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."

and children made Molly shy and uncomfortable, as if it was all too intimate. But now, with everything

one. Kids are adorable in small doses. You think they're the cutest thing ever until

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 op among the blooming pear

was only responsible for keeping her mom's spirits up; whatever drama

called the dynamic duo, now shopping at the market, and they

at the house, the aftermath of an earlier commotion was evident by the clutter left in the car's

family whereabouts unknown, Grandma Aubree and Grandpa Elmer

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

about that gold bracelet I bought you, why

dear. I'll just

to the city with us? You've always refused because you didn't want to impose, but we've been getting along so well. Plus, it'll be easier for us to take care

Aubree seemed unconvinced, lost in her

"Sometimes, out of sight, out of mind is a good thing. I know this

end up in jail. It's just a local scandal, nothing more. Things will blow over." Despite her grandmother's skepticism, Molly kept up her reassurances. "And hey, maybe

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

to enter the room, were both

idea of moving, thanks to Molly's persistent persuasion. It was a big decision, leaving a lifetime of memories behind, but Molly was determined to make her grandparents see the benefits of starting anew in the city,

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 all,