Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Anya couldn't quite figure out why Chad, who clearly wasn't a fan of super sweet cakes, would buy them anyway. Then it hit her-he got them for her.

Leo flashed a charming smile that left Anya mesmerized all over again. "If you're not a pig, what are you?"

"I'm a person," Anya replied, a bit slower on the uptake compared to Leo's quick wit.

"People aren't usually as slow as you," Leo teased with a grin.

Feeling a bit miffed, Anya shot back, "Chad, you're the one who's not human here."

Leo chuckled, handing the bread to the cashier and paying for it. The cashier watched their playful banter with a smile.

Leo kept up the teasing, "So, if I'm not human, what am I?"

"A pig," Anya quipped back, not missing a beat.

As they left the store, Leo carried the bag in one hand and held Anya's hand in the other. "So, you're dating a pig, huh?"noveldrama

Unable to come up with a good comeback, Anya pouted, "Chad, I'm done talking to you."

Leo just laughed and they continued their leisurely stroll.

They passed a little shop selling holiday decorations, and Anya decided to buy some. She was heading home for the holidays, leaving Chad alone at their place in the Waterside Complex. She wanted to leave the apartment with a festive touch before she went.

The Byrne family had already made their way back to their hometown. To save time, they drove through the night.

Chad and Kendrick took turns at the wheel while the older folks slept, and Coleen and Kendrick dozed off in their seats.

Molly stayed awake, chatting with her husband to keep him company. Driving at night could be exhausting, and coincidentally, their little son was wide awake too.

Molly held her son on her lap, showering his chubby cheeks with kisses. "It's strange to think I'm actually your mom."

Wayne just blinked in response.

Molly let her son sit on her lap, peering out at the dark night sky. Cars occasionally zipped past them on the highway, and sometimes they overtook others.

Wayne was captivated by the passing scenery, while his mom watched him, smitten. Sweetie gazed out the window, his cheeks wet from her endless kisses.

Chad, still driving, suggested, "Molly, try getting him to sleep."

Molly replied, "He napped all afternoon; if he sleeps more, he might turn into a little zombie."

Hearing his dad's voice, Wayne made a cute "papa" sound.

Chad responded every time, not wanting his son to stop calling him.

Then suddenly, Wayne got it right, "Daddy!"

Chad felt a warmth spread through his heart, momentarily forgetting to respond.

Molly exclaimed, "Chad, answer him! He's calling you daddy!"

Chad quickly replied, "Hey!"

Wayne, with his tiny lips damp, managed another "Dad! Daddy!"

Chad eagerly echoed back.

Their little exchange even roused Kendrick from his nap.

"Wow, little Wayne's calling for his daddy now."

Seeing his son's eagerness to hold Wayne, Kendrick suggested, "Chad, there's a rest area up ahead. Let's pull over, and I'll take over driving."

When they reached the rest stop, the whole Byrne family woke up, astonished to hear Wayne calling his dad.

Everyone was thrilled for Chad. "Sweetie, you're amazing! Say Chad again."