Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Chapter 1661

Conner spoiled his little girl rotten. He'd often tell her, "Lizzy, before you and your mom came along, I didn't even know what a real home felt like. Back then, the only people I cared about were a few friends—hardly a family. But now, I've got you and your mom. You two are my whole world. Are you happy? Proud? Does that make you smile?"

Lizzy would just blow bubbles, sending drool splattering across her dad's face, grinning from ear to ear. Mr. Nettleton would burst out laughing, "My girl's got some serious skills! Come here, let Daddy give you a kiss."

Every time Annie overheard Conner talking like that, she'd get a little pang of jealousy. "You go on and on-do you really think she understands any of it?" she'd tease.

Conner would just shrug, "Doesn't matter. Saying it out loud makes me happy."

In their house, Conner was the big boss, but he didn't throw his weight around. His in-laws were still a little wary of him, and his sister-in-law could never quite get on the same page. The only person who ever dared to scold him—or give him a playful punch—was Annie. But even she saved those moments for when they were alone. In public, she made sure to keep up his reputation. After all, what would people think if the head of a whole clan got bossed around by his wife? Where's the dignity in that?

a call from one of his buddies who wanted to come by and see his goddaughter. So Conner stayed home to wait for him. If not for that, he'd probably be out

to being pampered that if she didn't get to go out at least once, she'd go full drama queen-screaming her head off, big teardrops rolling down her cheeks, making it impossible for anyone to ignore her. There was nothing for it—every night before bed, someone had to take

are fine with one walk a day. Our girl?

smack. "Annie, what kind of mom talks about her kid like

feel like Annie anymore-I'm the dad, and Conner's the real mom

thinking about her sweet, soft-cheeked niece who was always out and about. No other baby

bring some homemade jelly up the hill to her sister. Maja lived up there, enjoying the quiet life Her desk was scattered with calligraphy-she'd always had a knack for that sort of thing.

there to play hostess. Next week, when you get your days off, let's match up our schedules. I'll wake up early and make sure Lizzy's dad doesn't sneak her out before I get a chance to

with her husband just to spend time