Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Chapter 972

Early morning at Maplewood Estates.

Andre was in the living room, cradling his warmly bundled-up son, waiting for his lively, energetic wife to join them. Little Henry, sporting a bright yellow cap, glanced over at his mom, busy with last-minute preparations, wondering what she was up to. "Diapers, thermos, wet wipes, immunization record..." Mia was on the couch, ticking items off her checklist to make sure nothing was forgotten.

Henry, meanwhile, was contentedly gnawing on his hand, waiting for the day's adventure to begin.

Once Mia was satisfied everything was in order, she stood up, handed the shoulder bag to Andre, and scooped up their chubby little boy. "All set, let's hit the road."

At the hospital, Molly and Chad were already preparing for their check-up. Molly was anxious that Chad might get called away suddenly, so she insisted on getting there early to wrap things up quickly. Even having her husband accompany her was a big deal, as Jade had to forgo her morning sleep-in to make it happen.

Her anxiety propelled her to speed through the process.

At the hospital, Mia let Henry toddle a bit, but soon he was clinging to her leg, demanding to be held. Andre obliged, picking up his son again for his one-year check-up.

During Henry's vaccinations, the room was filled with family. Anya wanted to be there too, but with her own obligations, she had to settle for watching the video of it all.

Henry's cries echoed in the room as he received his shots, his face turning a frustrated red, especially after the second, more painful jab. Mia couldn't help but chuckle at the scene.

Andre walked around, trying to comfort Henry, then set him down. Henry, teary-eyed, looked up at his dad with a silent accusation for not being comforted immediately after the shots. Andre quickly picked him up again, soothing his little bundle of emotions.

In the video, Chad's teasing voice could be heard, "Just like his aunt, always a drama queen. Molly used to demand cuddles even for medicine."

Molly, not one to take it lying down, said, "Did I ever ask you to hold me?"

Chad laughed, "When didn't you? If I didn't, you'd tug my arm to pull me close."

"No way, you've got

when you were three? Even for cold medicine, we had to cool it down for you." Leo and Molly had both been under the weather; Leo would down his medicine

comeback, was left sputtering, "You're just taking advantage of my lack

best friend, was about to jump in when Molly quickly pointed at her,

secrets they both held about each other, extended a hand,

Molly shook it, "Truce."

smiles fading as they plotted how

good terms with his uncle, he would visit the Calder family armed with gifts prepared by the Cedillo family and many more he'd personally

he'd continue the tradition whenever visiting the Calders, proving just how much he

the video of Henry's vaccination ordeal as

Chad's phone

darting to him with the fear he might have to leave again. Chad reassured her,

en

on how things were going, and

Hansen called too, both showing concern

Mia and Henry. On the drive,

often, turned to Andre, assuming

call. I've got the whole day reserved just for

Henry in her lap, his tiny feet pressing against her legs, "Let's hit the mall. Our little guy's snack

on his dad's shoulder, taking in the sights.

looking back at Mia, gave a goofy grin, infectious enough to make everyone around him smile,

the elevator, Mia playfully

eyes and pulled

with delight his laughter rolling from one bout to the next without