Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Mia stuck close to her mom's side. "So, just out of curiosity, would you rather have a gentle daughter-in-law, or someone a bit more of a handful, like me?"

Madison shot her daughter a look, tired of always having her in tow. "You're not a little kid anymore—why are you still glued to me like my shadow?"

Mia hugged her mother's arm. "Henry still follows his mom around every day. If he can do it, so can I!"

Madison couldn't help but smile. "And why are you asking all these questions?"

Mia's eyes twinkled as she tried to play it cool. "Just curious, that's all."

Madison replied, "Whether it's a son-in-law or a daughter-in-law, what matters most is that our kids are happy. We can give advice, but the choice is theirs."

Mia grinned, pushing a little further. "But what if your daughter-in-law is a total princess?"

Madison was momentarily speechless.

***

Riverbend Residences.

clock-it was already

and called her boyfriend. "Chad, what

you're sleepy,

voice. "You're not going to get home until one or two

the summer, he was coming home later and later. Some nights, Anya would already be asleep by the time Leo tiptoed in. Even then,

matter how quietly he moved, she'd wake up when he came in, listening to him in the

back earlier tonight, just for

ended

come home early so we can spend time together, but even

want you to get some real sleep She'd looked it up-startups were tough. Sometimes founders even crashed at

Anya was torn.

early, he pulled her into his arms, breathing in her scent.

her ear sent shivers through her, her heart thudding wildly. "Hey, do

blushed and

kissed her like he never wanted to let go, as if

him to come home early to rest-but even with an early night,

couldn't help but feel a