Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

At home, it seemed only Dad could be scared off by his daughter-in-law and his own daughter. "Why's that?" Bruce asked, settling in next to his wife.

Naomi grinned, unable to hold back her laughter at the thought of their kids. "The minute those two walked in, they called out for Dad and said both our little rascals were going to sleep in his room tonight. They even teased him that the kids napped all afternoon and would keep him up all night. Dad said he was running away and not coming back-Whoever's kids they are, let them deal with it,' he said."

Bruce glanced out the window; the sky was already darkening. "It's getting late. We really should get Dad home before it gets too late."

Andre chimed in, "I already checked with the housekeeper. Dad's out on Main Street with Harry, Mr. Zheng, Uncle, and some new friend. They're eating spicy shrimp tails and having the time of their lives. He'll sneak back in once he's had enough."

So, he was out enjoying good food-no wonder he'd been gone so long. Bruce didn't worry anymore.

"What are the girls talking about now?" Bruce asked, watching the two kids at the dining table, chatting nonstop.

Naomi burst out laughing. "Who knows what they're on about this time? They were talking about ice cream a minute ago, now it sounds like they're swapping gossip."

"It's so much better with everyone home. The house actually feels alive," Bruce said, gazing fondly at the girls.

Naomi nodded. "It's really those two who bring the energy. Andre and Chad barely say a word, and when they do, it's never about family. If Mia and Molly aren't around, and Henry and Sweetie are gone too, the place just feels empty."

went, all the fun and noise followed. You couldn't drive it away even

up their kids and

Wayne went stiff, staring at the ceiling,

"Sweetie, Mommy's leaving now."

Officer Chad: "... ..."

voice was so infectious

word,

into

that night, Molly managed to make her son cry-and finally got her own

just before dawn, a car quietly rolled into the driveway. Hansen, leaning on his cane, snuck back into the house. "You checked with Una,

Una before you came

arms, and walked

a glass of water, both

startled, "Dad, what are