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?"

affection for Mia's son, Henry, and would spend hours playing with him without

her messages, "No word

some more 'cosmic energy' then," Molly

Henry's diaper, affectionately calling him her "little stinker," despite him being sound

to study with Chad but clearly too exhausted to crack open a book. Leo draped his jacket over Anya to shield her from the sunlight, wondering what had tired her out

own gaming account had dropped several levels, a likely

everyone to lunch, and Anya, waking with lines from her backpack imprinted on her face, was none the

she demanded of Chad, who shrugged off

was greeted with Henry's giggles as she showered him with

room echoed with Henry's laughter, bringing joy to

of Henry's laughter with his partners, proud yet concerned his son might laugh too

the stories of Henry, prompting

Molly relaxed, contemplating future family gatherings and joking about self-defense lessons against overenthusiastic partners, all in the