Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Mia wasn't one to shy away from a bit of chaos. "Anya, bring the fish over so my son can see it."

Anya, still barefoot, walked over to Andre, while little Henry, curious about the unfamiliar creature, reached out to touch it. But before he could even get close, the fish flicked its tail, turning Henry's giggles into a near-breathless cry. Next to Chad, Molly chuckled, "See, Chad? It's been half an hour, and here comes the second round of tears."

A bunch of kids crowded around Anya, all eager to see the fish.

Later, Anya, still without her shoes, dashed to the supermarket to grab a plastic bag for the fish, keeping the kids captivated.

Leo trailed behind, holding Anya's canvas shoes. "Anya, put your shoes on before you hurt your feet."

But Anya was too engrossed to hear him.

In the afternoon, while the men were off delivering some items, Mia and Molly tidied up the campsite, with the kids doted on by their beloved Aunt Anya.

If she had the time, Molly would've loved to stay and camp out too.

While cleaning, Molly said, "Dad, Mia, I'm not heading back home tonight. I'm going with Chad to the Byrne place. I promised Mom I'd go to the office tomorrow." Hansen chimed in, "Remember, Anya picked a bunch of cherries this morning. Take some back for your folks and grandparents."

"Will do, Dad."

On the way back, Mia took the bag of fish, and Henry, now lying in his baby seat, wasn't scared of the fish anymore. His little hands even reached out to play with it. Every now and then, he glanced up through the sunroof, enjoying the ride so much that he fell asleep on his own, no soothing from Mom needed.

Mia, feeling drowsy herself, hung the fish in the car and dozed off next to her son.

Hansen, riding shotgun, reclined his seat and drifted off too.

Andre glanced back at his sleeping family, both young and old, and slowed the car down with a smile.

Anya, exhausted from her day of tree climbing and swimming, fell asleep as soon as she got in the car. Leo, looking back at her, couldn't resist gently touching her head.

rare moment of tenderness was lost on the sleeping Anya. With no one else around, Leo

home

her little nephew. Bruce Cedillo tried to do the same but couldn't compete with his wife. He settled for gently pinching Henry's hand. "Henry, did you have fun in

making Bruce want to show him off to

up, stretched, and quickly

where should I put the fish?" Anya

on, let's take it to the pond in

two bags of cherries. "Mia,

and the housekeeper. I'll grab a few on

to make the

was pleasantly surprised. "Our Anya can make jam! I have no idea how to

son wasn't good enough for little

to hold Henry, Bruce's profile picture was now of Henry, much to Mrs. Cedillo's occasional

"Hmm~"

by Henry's presence. "Nope, still fair and

his fingers, melted

to the yard to make jam,

assisted in washing the cherries. Leo, from a window, quietly

home, where her parents and grandparents fussed over her, securing her position as the family's

some for you," Molly said, heading to

Byrne didn't forget her daughter's clumsiness. "Did you climb the trees? Could you keep

did all the work. I just

them out for everyone

teased his son. "Now that Molly's back, we

fresh from a shower and lounging on the sofa, felt a bit sleepy. "If Mom isn't home, you're hardly around either." Molly sat next to Chad, feeding him two cherries.

asked his son,