Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

The next morning, before Anya could even bring up moving out again, the breakfast table was a chorus of objections, making it clear she wasn't going anywhere.

Naomi, hearing that Anya was practically family already, put her foot down. "Anya, Chad can't cook to save his life. Let him figure it out on his own while you stay here with us. Your great-aunt will take good care of you." Hansen chimed in, "Your aunt's left, taking Henry with her. Your uncle will be off soon, too. If you leave, your granddad will be all alone."

Anya couldn't help but protest, "Granddad, that's not what 'left alone' means."

"It's what I say it means."

Later, Chad called Anya. "I'm not even settled yet. You coming here would just add to the chaos."

Remembering Chad's promise, Anya teased softly, "Chad, you said you'd come get me."

Chad swallowed hard. "I will, but only when I can provide for us both. I don't want you to suffer because of me. Stay home and don't complicate things. If you miss me, call, and I'll come get you."

"Well, I miss you now."

"Sorry, bad signal. Can't hear you," Chad said, hanging up.

Anya pouted, "Chad's such a tease-just like granddad."

Meanwhile, Mia, noticing Henry had been spoiled at his grandparents' place and his schedule was all over the place, packed his bags early one morning. She placed them in the back seat of her husband's car and pointed to the baby sipping from his bottle. "Either take him back to my dad, or he goes to the office with you. Just one condition-don't let him sleep all day!"

him

grandson and a suitcase full of

tease, "Granddad, guess you're not left alone

replied, "He's here now, so you're staying

showered him with kisses, and

finally got Chad's address and visited him at his hotel. It had been a while since the family

stack on the table, unable to make heads or tails of it. "Is this what you

the basics I

and regret, gently tapped the pile of books and papers, his heart heavy. Naomi sat beside her son. "Chad, come home. You need a proper environment to study for grad school. Your mom

were born-a million dollars. These two cards, from your

from his wife's memorial room and handed it

also been generous. Mrs. Cedillo had deposited

back. "Mom, I don't want

it. If we can't help you in any other way, at least let us support you

money from the salary my uncle gave me; you don't need to give me more," Chad insisted, placing the cards and passbook

your parents'

I can support myself, and I haven't sunk so low that I need my parents' money for a

and no time for a job