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."

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

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 her patience with him big time." "Kids will be kids," Coleen

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 op among the blooming pear trees, which felt almost like

was only responsible for keeping her mom's spirits up; whatever drama was unfolding with anyone else, she couldn't be

discovered the car gone and called the dynamic

an earlier commotion was evident by the clutter left

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

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 struggled to find the right words

that gold bracelet I bought you, why

dear. I'll just

you didn't want to impose, but we've been getting along so well. Plus, it'll be easier for us to take

Aubree seemed unconvinced,

is a good thing. I know this incident has upset you, but maybe it's for the best if we

at least she didn't steal from someone else and 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,

more trouble? That's why moving to the city makes sense. I'll be there to

overhearing the conversation while sweeping outside, and Kendrick, about to enter the room, were both

Molly's persistent persuasion. It was a big decision, leaving a lifetime of memories behind, but Molly was determined

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 all, it was Juliana who had caused a scare this time, but next time, they might not be so lucky if an actual burglar decided to