Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Dean looked at Maja again, catching the shimmer of tears in her eyes. In the lamplight, they sparkled—beautiful, even in their sadness. “That day, when you said someone wouldn't make it to heaven... you meant him, didn't you?"

Maja held his gaze for a moment, gave a fragile smile, and let her tears slip down her cheek. "Yeah."

"Maja, how about we trade stories?" Dean's voice was gentle, almost hopeful. "Maybe we could help each other heal."

“Heal?” Maja echoed, a little skeptical.

Dean nodded. "You know how I am always the good guy. I can't say no to anyone. Big stuff, little stuff, if you ask, I'll help. It's my best and worst quality. But you, you've been carrying your pain all by yourself."

Maja looked at him, and Dean had to look away, afraid that if he stared any longer, he'd get pulled in even deeper. "What are you so afraid of? Why are you always running? Why can't you go home? Why the gunshot? Maja, who are you, really?"

Finally, he met her eyes again, his question laid bare between them.

Maja stared into the fireplace. "If the person you loved was killed by the man your little sister loved... what would you do? And there's a catch-your sister is the one you love most in the world."

The fire cracked, tossing light and warmth into the silence.

Dean spoke softly, "So... who's right and who's wrong?"

memories. Who was right? Who

dreaming about her sister

Let me take care of

"Are you

close. I've got so much free

her eyes. "Come on, I know exactly

night, Annie's heart ached for Conner-starting over isn't easy. Her family couldn't do much, but Conner's old buddies stepped up

Annie called Conner just to check in. The conversation

news is good news," Conner

He quickly switched gears. "It's fine. The Dark Web

never seen a pregnant woman before?" Annie

you know?"

just went

to keep his godmom company so she doesn't get too

just kind of overwhelmed,"

antics. "So, did he