Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Andre knew the drill all too well. "Those two older kids always mess things up and end up dragging Dad in to take charge. Dad's easy-give him a couple of good meals and he's happy to play along. The little ones? They just get swept up by the big kids every time."

At their bedroom doors, Chad nodded, pushed his door open, and disappeared inside.

Andre did the same, stepping into his room and eyeing the little starfish sprawled smack in the middle of the bed-right across the "no man's land." He called out, "Henry, time for your milk!"

His mom always hoped he'd keep some space between her and Dad, but Henry? He had a mind of his own. By midnight, he was passed out on Dad's stomach, and later he'd wiggle over to Mom's pillow-head pressed against her ear, feet somehow in Dad's face.

Dad would try to straighten him out, but ten minutes later, Henry was right back to his wild sleep poses.

Andre had already fixed him once in the night, but by morning, he found his son curled up at the foot of the bed.

He scooped Henry up, giving him a gentle shake. "Come on, little man. Bathroom time, then a quick wash, and your morning milk."

After five minutes of coaxing, Henry finally woke up, yawning with his tiny mouth wide open. Dad scooped him up with one arm and whisked him off to the bathroom.

When they came back, Henry was fully awake, bottle in hand, little legs kicking as he scrambled to climb onto the bed and pounce on Mom. "Mama~ Mama, wake up~"

Mia groaned, still half-asleep, and nudged her persistent son, "Henry, you call me one more time, and when I'm up, I'll tickle you until you can't breathe!"

Henry took the hint. He pulled the blanket up and tucked it gently around Mom, covering her face like he was tucking her in.

Later, Molly woke up and dragged her husband away for a lazy day at her parents' house. She even invited her sisters over, and for fun, a friend they'd all heard about but never actually met.

Everything was going great, everyone relaxed and happy—until word came that Andre was heading home. "Chad, let's go, let's go, let's move!" Molly didn't even hesitate, hopping into the car in her mom's slippers.

Chad laughed. "At least say hi to Andre before we leave."

"What for? You're interested in my sister, not my brother. Let's just get out of here."

Chad just grinned, said a quick goodbye to Hansen, and drove off.

But, of course, fate had other plans. Halfway home, the two cars met on a narrow street. Andre rolled down his window, pulling up alongside Chad's car. "Dinner's ready! Why are you guys heading home already?" noveldrama

Molly ducked into the back seat, practically hiding behind her son in his car seat.

Wayne, meanwhile, eyed his mom's long, shiny hair-a perfect chance for some fun.

"Ahh!" Jade let out a dramatic scream, but Chad just smiled. "We got a call-dinner's on the table, and, believe it or not, all five kids stayed out of trouble today. I'm taking my two home."

Andre nodded and rolled up his window. Both cars headed off in different directions.

In their car, Molly was still holding Wayne's tiny hand. She leaned over and pretended to nibble his fingers. "Forget roasting-Mom's just going to eat these little dragon claws raw."

She only gave him a light nibble, but Wayne thought Mom was just playing, and let out a burst of happy baby giggles.

"Don't laugh! Mommy's eating your little hand, and if you keep laughing, I won't be able to stop!"

Wayne just grinned wider and laughed even harder.

Afterwards, Wayne was showered with hugs, snuggled tight in his mom's arms as she covered him in kisses.

When Wayne's first birthday rolled around, Mia and Andre brought a special gift. Mia picked it out herself. As for the gift Andre bought? Well, that ended up as an extra present for their son too.