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."

fun and noise followed. You couldn't drive

up their

went stiff, staring at the ceiling, unsure what was up with

"Sweetie, Mommy's leaving now."

Officer Chad: "... ..."

was so infectious that

a word, started

into

managed to make her son cry-and finally got

a car quietly rolled into the driveway. Hansen, leaning on his cane, snuck back into the house. "You checked with Una, right? All the bedroom lights are off?" Hansen asked

"I checked with Una before you came in-Henry

stretched his arms,

and Naomi, who was getting a glass of water, both jumped when they saw each

"Dad, what are you doing home