Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Anya hovered awkwardly, holding out a spoonful of food for her little brother. Pulling back felt heartless, but keeping her hand there made her feel just as silly.

Thankfully, Ash made the decision for her. He stretched his neck forward, mouth open, nuzzling toward the food in her hand with eager determination.

Most years, the family went on a summer trip. But Mrs. Calder had just gotten back from traveling, and with their new "little sidekick" at home, they decided to skip the big vacation this time.

Mr. Calder didn't mind-actually, he was in the best mood he'd been in for years. With his wife, daughter, and son all home, every get-together turned into a party. He'd have a few extra drinks, stumble home, and smother Ash with drunk, giggly kisses.

Ash would wriggle and protest, but Mr. Calder just laughed. "Never thought I'd be a dad again. Thought your mom and I were done after your sister," he'd say, voice thick with emotion.

Mrs. Calder would scoop Ash up, hand him to Anya, and tell her, "Go on up to bed, honey. I'll get your dad to the bedroom."

Every night, Leo would call his girlfriend, squeezing in a little chat no matter how

late it got.

Ash loved to get in on the action. "Ah-ah~!" he'd squeal, trying to join the conversation.

sigh. "Why are you hanging out

just look up at Anya with those round cheeks, as if to say, How

be lonely during the summer break. But as it turned out, Leo barely had time to sleep at home—his days were

downstairs. At first, she had to practically pull him along, but soon he was keeping pace with her first a slow walk, then a brisk one, and finally, they

into shape. Tony would clap Chunky on the thigh and say, "If

Chunky had a weakness—late-night takeout. He'd sneak in snacks after dark, then leave the trash for the next

Leo installed a security camera at Chunky's door-and

disbelief. "What, they're doing buy one, get

phone. "Mine was the one I

cameras were for safety-if he wasn't home and Anya was alone,

but everything downtown was crazy expensive. Even a tiny studio cost a

he needed a place-he couldn't stay at the

start his second

to settle

him to look at place after

the suburbs. The cheapest space they could find would still cost fifty grand for two years. Chunky gave Leo a solid pat on the shoulder. "Starting's always the hardest. We'll get our footing out here, then move back to the city. For the space and the