Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Chapter 1312

Cooper looked out over the calm sea, hands braced on his surfboard. With a quick push, he hopped up and settled himself right in the center-steady as ever. He gathered up Henry, his little marshmallow of a nephew, and tucked him onto his lap. "Still scared, buddy?" he asked softly.

Henry, lips pushed out in a determined pout, shook his head-trying his best to look brave. Meanwhile, Andre lingered at the shoreline, eyes glued to his son. He didn't even notice the water lapping at his knees until a wave slapped against him, snapping him from his trance. He stepped back, but couldn't look away from Henry.

At first, Henry had been nervous up on the board, clutching tight. The second go, curiosity won out over fear. By the third, he was bursting with giggles, clapping his tiny hands as he wobbled to his feet. His laughter floated all the way back to shore.

Relief washed over Andre. Standing beneath the hot sun, he let his mood ride the waves with Henry's every shriek and chuckle.

Under the shade of the beach shack, the others caught Henry's laughter too. Coleen Byrne pointed out at the water, smiling. "Would you look at Cooper? He's got a real gift with kids—he's thought of everything for Henry!"

squinting at the waves. "Ever since Cooper got back, he's been making up for lost time. Henry's barely out of diapers, and Cooper's already taken him

this family," Mrs. Calder said, hugging her own son a

till Ash is a bit older-you'll see. Leo's gonna be the one dragging Ash and Wayne out to play every day. Lately, he's even been tucking his little sweetie

her son's just as good with kids. Once the younger ones are big enough, Leo will be

all morning," Naomi added, determined to make a good impression and, maybe, lock in a future

toward the sea. Out on the bright blue, Anya had her arms slung around her boyfriend's neck. She'd clearly had enough and was ready to head

him hug her he still wouldn't budge. "Chad, just carry

it's been forever since I've held you. Let me keep you

was the sun or embarrassment. "Chad! You're only being like this because my parents can't see us. You've been hugging and kissing me for ages. If you don't take me back right now, I'll call my dad to