Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Andre had just been thinking how grown-up his son seemed, and then-just like that—the kid was back to being his silly, playful self. Andre grinned and stretched out his arms. "Come here, you little rascal. Let Dad tuck you in."

Once his son was out like a light, Andre's night could finally begin. His wife was on vacation, but honestly, Andre was the one enjoying it the most-freedom at last.

He walked back into the bedroom to find Mia sprawled across the bed, deep in conversation with her girlfriends.

She heard him coming and glanced back over her shoulder, catching his eye as he approached...

Meanwhile, in the group chat, Molly messaged: Why are there so many scammers lately? Chad's been working nights for days-sweetie barely knows what her dad

looks like anymore.

Three minutes ticked by. No reply.

Molly typed again: Mia, you asleep already? No way. You're on break-why hit the sack so early?

Five more minutes. Nothing.

Jade just stared at her phone, then turned to Wayne, who was still up with her. "Sweetie, do you even remember who your dad is?"

Wayne blinked at his mom, giving her a look that screamed, Seriously?

might not see Dad much during the day, but as the unofficial "home guard," Wayne always managed to

enough, Wayne would be standing at the door, waiting. Chad would scoop him up, plant a kiss on his cheek, then head upstairs to shower and change. Before heading out again, he'd give Wayne another big hug

and wife were

"Wayne," Molly called.

be over at Grandma and Grandpa's, getting a good night's sleep instead of listening to you talk my ear

eventually quieted down and dug out her favorite romance novel from under the bed,

the better of him, and peeked at the book along with

"Read more stories, sweetie. One day you'll bring home

dove under the covers and pretended to

left the house looking like she'd pulled

shuffled downstairs, her hair all over

Top, but he wouldn't have it. Worried she'd get bored cooped up at home, he sent her over to Maplewood Estates to

home. The minute he walked in,

his sweetie and disappeared.

times and felt a

hand. "Hey, we've still

aunt's lap, with his big sister trying to feed

spoil a