Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"No way, I really want to go, babe, please!"noveldrama

Andre gently wraps his arm around his beloved wife and continues chatting with Mr. Calder. "You know how it is with our family - we've got the little ones and the seniors, and the winter cold just isn't their thing. That's why we always head somewhere warm for a break."

He then glances down at Mia, nestled in his arms. "Besides, my lovely wife here has been working so hard all year, and I haven't really taken her out for some fun. Now's the perfect time to change that and treat my Mia to some adventures."

"Honey, I'm going," Mia chimes in, reminding him that she and her brother have even traveled abroad.

Andre chuckles, "It doesn't count if I'm not there with you."

Just a moment ago, Mrs. Calder thought of Mrs. Cedillo as the picture of poise and maturity. But now, watching her snuggle into her husband's arms, those thoughts drift away. She's charming and adorable instead.

Mr. Calder nods in agreement, "I think it's a great idea. Let's do it. Book us a room too."

"No need to worry about that I've got the whole island rented out."

Mr. Calder is left speechless, "Wow... You're my hero, Andre!"

As soon as Mr. Calder is onboard, the young couple arrives at the hotel entrance.

Anya rushes up, "Mom, Dad, little bro, Chad and I got stuck in traffic, so we're a bit late."

She gathers her little brother, Asher, into a hug right in front of their parents. Leo just stands there, a bit helpless.

Anya pouts and plants a kiss on the little guy. "Asher, your sister loves you to bits."

Leo also wants to steal a moment with his girlfriend for a quick kiss, especially since she's supposed to leave today and they might not see each other till after the holidays.

But Anya's too busy doting on her family, leaving no room for Leo to get a private moment.

Feeling a touch of sadness, Leo keeps quiet.

"Mom, Dad, drive safe on your way back."

Leo blinks, confused. "Wait, you're not leaving?"

Anya bites her lip, a little bashful, her cheeks turning pink. "I told my folks I'd stay

till after New Year's Eve. I want to be here with you."

Leo, thrilled, runs a hand through his hair. "Anya, you little trickster, keeping secrets from me!"

That morning, he'd been convinced she was leaving. Over breakfast, he'd given her all sorts of advice, "Don't smother Asher with kisses at home; boys get cuter the less you kiss them. And if you go to a gathering, make sure everyone knows you've got a boyfriend and you're serious about it. Miss me? Just call, and I'll be there in a heartbeat..."

Anya had kept mum, waiting until her parents left to reveal her surprise.

"Uncle, Auntie, have a safe trip. Don't worry about Anya; I'll make sure she's well- fed, warm, and happy. You can count on me," Leo promises, his words flowing with enthusiasm as he waves off the Calder family.

Mr. Calder and Andre share a knowing look, keeping their vacation plans under wraps, indulging in a bit of mischief with the young lovebirds.

"Off we go."

Watching Mr. Calder's car drive away, Leo stands with his hands on his hips, thoroughly pleased. "Ms. Anya, after all this time together, this is the first time you've caught me off guard, and somehow I love you even more for it."

Anya pouts playfully, then turns to find the couple. "Auntie, where's the little one?"

Leo wraps his arm around her, teasing, "You just said goodbye to one baby, and now you're looking for another?"

"Different babies, different charms," Anya replies, her smile sweet as ever to her aunt and uncle.

Mia chimes in, "Our little one is just like his uncle-lost in a dream world."