Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Watching his little nephew scrambling up the jungle gym, Cooper stood below, phone pressed to his ear, chatting away in a language Henry couldn't make heads or tails of.

On the other end, a man asked, half teasing, "Cooper, I speak your language too, you know. Why the secret code?"

Cooper shot his nephew a glance. "Little Henry's right here, and let's just say he's not shy about snitching on me. If I say too much, I'll find myself in hot water by dinnertime."

The man laughed. "Wait-don't tell me, is this the same kid who called my dog ugly?"

"Who else could it be?"

They kept talking in their chosen language, but Cooper's gaze never left Henry. "Cooper, I want some water!" Henry called.

Cooper grabbed his nephew's tiger-print sippy cup and made his way over.

Henry took a long drink, sweaty and tired, then flopped down next to his uncle, tilting his head to stare at Cooper's mouth. "Cooper can't talk."

Cooper snorted. "You little rascal."

Just before hanging up, Cooper asked, "Any word on Maja?"

The man replied, "Cooper, you didn't go and make enemies with the Dark Web, did you?"

his lips. "Oh, definitely. We're arch-enemies." Mess with his nephew

some strings, see if I can help

not mine." Cooper was careful-if his brother-in-law ever got suspicious and

you know if I hear anything. Hope your little guy gives you

"Him? Not a chance."

Henry-very much not giving his uncle a

put on his strictest tone. "Nope. One hour. You've got to finish the climb."

scooped him

you can rest, but no slacking off.

his lips together, snuggled for a moment, then Cooper set him back on

time to go, Henry didn't want to walk—he wanted to be carried. Cooper obliged, hefting him up. "Hey buddy, how about we go drive some

...

At the airport.

and Molly scanned the crowd as passengers filed in

met-do you even remember

I do. Just look

elderly man with a cane, a baby, and a striking

them and broke into a broad grin.

eyes lit up. She waved,