Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Chad turned with a playful threat in his voice, "Molly, you're not wearing anything under that blanket, are you?"

Molly clutched the blanket tighter, "You're going to be late for work. Even if I wasn't wearing pajamas, you wouldn't have time to notice."

Officer Chad grabbed his badge, ready to leave, but not before casting a glance at Molly. Despite her feigned bravery, he could see the fear in her eyes. "I can call in sick. It's just a phone call away." Molly watched Chad warily, thankful when he finally left for work.

On his way, Chad stopped by a department store to pick up a high-neck shirt and a tie, hoping they'd cover the love bites Molly had left on his neck. Throughout the day at the station, he dared not loosen his tie.

Molly planned to visit Mia in Maplewood Estates. They chatted on video call, both still in bed, faces unwashed, teeth unbrushed.

Surprised, they both wondered why the other was awake so early.

Through the screen, Molly spotted her nephew's round head and beamed with affection, "Look at that, my nephew slept in. What a sweetheart."

Mia glanced at her son, cradled in her arms, "Sweetheart? Andre stayed up till 3 a.m. playing video games. Still think he's a sweetheart?"

changed the subject, asking about Anya, who had a special affection for

her messages, "No word from

some more 'cosmic energy' then," Molly

her "little stinker," despite him being sound asleep and

Chad but clearly too exhausted to crack open a book. Leo

several levels, a

her backpack imprinted on her face, was none the wiser until

me?" she demanded of Chad, who shrugged off her complaint, saying a

greeted with Henry's giggles as she

living room echoed with Henry's laughter, bringing

lunch, shared a video of Henry's laughter with

of Henry, prompting Andre

family gatherings and joking about self-defense lessons against overenthusiastic partners, all in