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."

But now, with everything out in the open, having children seemed like a natural part of life

always gets such a kick out of seeing our nephew, Henry. But I reckon he'd be overwhelmed with just one. Kids are adorable in small doses. You think they're the cutest thing ever until you're the one dealing with their tantrums every day. My nephew's a prime example. Mia sometimes loses

Molly around, taking in the local sights and enjoying a bit of a photo op among the blooming pear trees,

spirits up; whatever drama was unfolding with anyone else,

Chad discovered the car gone and called the dynamic duo, now shopping at the market, and they finally

of an earlier commotion was

police and community officers gone, and Juliana's family whereabouts unknown, Grandma Aubree and Grandpa Elmer looked visibly upset, while Molly and Coleen seemed detached from the Byrne

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

you, why don't

about it, dear. I'll just buy you

because you didn't want to impose, but we've

unconvinced, lost in

her. "Sometimes, out of sight, out of mind is a good thing. I know this incident has upset you, but maybe it's for the best if we keep

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 more.

trouble? That's why moving to the

conversation while sweeping outside, and Kendrick, about to enter the room, were both roped into Molly's plan without

to seriously consider the 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

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 all, it was Juliana who had caused a scare this time, but next time, they might not be so