The sound of a child's laughter, pure and endlessly delightful, filled the car, creating a bubble of joy in the otherwise silent interior. Occasionally, Mia would lean over to plant a kiss on her son's cheek, her fingers gently squeezing his soft, chubby face with all the

tenderness in the world.

No matter how much she fussed over him, her little boy would just giggle, his laughter light and carefree.

As their car ventured deeper into the countryside, leaving the main roads behind for dusty, unnamed paths, it was clear they were heading somewhere special. Without Chad's knowledge of this hidden gem, they might never have found it. "Molly, when did you last come out here? You never mentioned it," she quizzed Chad as their car followed the winding country lanes.

Chad chuckled, "You were in your senior year of high school, buried under a mountain of books. I didn't want to distract you. Remember? I brought back a bunch of cherries that year and had you deliver two boxes to the Byrnes and the Irvins."

At the mention of cherries, Molly's memory clicked. It was right before her final exams, a stressful time marked by late-night study sessions and stress-induced acne. Chad had indeed brought home ten boxes of cherries, insisting she share them with the Byrnes and the Cedillos. Leo, who had been hiding his identity as a nephew of a business mogul, sheepishly accepted two boxes of cherries from her, a memory that now brought a smile to her face.

"Seems like ages ago, Chad. You were just a rookie cop back then, weren't you?" Molly mused.

"That was my 17th case," Chad replied, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

destination, the rural charm of the area became apparent. Fenced orchards lined the road, dotted with the bright red of cherries. "Look, I can see the cherries from here!" Molly exclaimed, her

we get to the orchard.

so much about this place?" Molly asked,

our family's cherries here every year," Chad explained,

Andre parked

do it? I wish I could park that smoothly," she said, half in jest,

confusion. "What's wrong now?" they all wondered, looking around for any sign of discomfort. Mia, cradling her son, explained, "He's become oddly fond of sunroofs. The moment

cheer Henry up, which eventually

the wooden farmhouse and the barking of a guard dog sent a ripple of protective instincts through the men. Molly flinched at the

readying his cane as if to fend off any threats. "Mia, come here with the boy," he called, his voice a blend of concern

moment, Molly felt the full weight of her father's love, choosing to run to his side over staying with

day continued with cherry picking, laughter, and the simple joy of being together as a family. Even as they teased each other and navigated the quirks of rural

everyone in stitches, "Seems

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