Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Molly traced her fingers over Henry's hand, eyes shining with amusement. "He looks just like my little guy did two months ago," she said, half-laughing.

She remembered holding Jared at that age-he'd been glued to her, just like Henry was to his mom now.

Aimee hugged Henry a bit tighter and shrugged. "His dad's away for work, so it's just the two of us. Of course he's clingy."

Mia shot her a skeptical look. "You sure you're up for this?"

Aimee grinned, rolling her eyes. "What choice do I have? It's not like I can just order up a reliable stepmom for him. That'd be doing his dad a favor he doesn't deserve."

Molly couldn't help but laugh. Yep, these were her kind of people.

Meanwhile, the grandpas were plotting their next food escapade. "We've gotta hit Wayne's for shrimp non-negotiable. And cheese gnocchi... your teeth up for that?" one asked.

The other grinned, flashing a toothy smile. "You kidding? I could chew ice cubes for breakfast."

"Cheese gnocchi it is, then. And plenty more where that came from. My three kids may not be model citizens, but when it comes to eating and having fun, they're experts."

When it was time to pick up the guests, they brought out two cars. Hansen rounded up his crew, and Mia and Molly gathered theirs.

As they got settled in, Aimee looked around. "Wait, where are your kids?" Maybe she wasn't the only one who lost track of her child every now and then.

Jared, sulking quietly, didn't say a word—his pout said enough.

Mia answered, "My kid's off with his uncle, probably causing trouble somewhere."

Molly, hands on the wheel, added, "Mine's with his great-grandpa, belting out songs."

"Singing?" Aimee cocked her head, confused.

Mia smiled, "Yup. Old-school opera. It's their thing."

Aimee just shook her head, speechless.

Meanwhile, Henry was living his best life at the go-kart club-the grown-up section, no less. Dressed in a pint-sized racing suit and helmet, his chubby cheeks were flushed with excitement, eyes darting everywhere.

Cooper whisked his little sidekick away for another spin, grinning as Henry's mouth formed a perfect O. "Cooper, whoa!"

When the ride was over, Henry clung to the steering wheel, refusing to budge. "Not leaving! Cooper, more play!"

"Alright, champ, let's check out the

kids' track instead. This one's a little wild for you," Cooper said crouching to Harry's level. Fe tried every trick Sweet talking, hugs, even a few bribes-before finally scooping up the stubborn little guy and heading for the children's play area.

Henry's world just kept getting bigger.

Back at the Cedillo house, Mia and Aimee had settled in, but Henry was still out on his adventure.

Jared, arriving somewhere new, looked nervous. He clung to Mia, tears brimming, refusing to set his feet on the ground.

Henry's toy cars made an appearance, and Mia held one out. "Jared, come on, play with your big buddy Henry's toys."

Since Henry was the oldest in the group, his cars and toys were basically communal property-everyone took turns.

Still, Jared wouldn't let go of his mom.

Mia sighed. "Fine, I'll call Henry and have him come play with you."noveldrama

She dialed her brother.

"Buddy, slow down! Sweetie, not so fast-you're gonna give your uncle a heart attack!" Cooper's voice came through immediately distracted. "Hey, Mia, what's up?"

Mia rolled her eyes. "Where are you guys?"

"Little man, take the corner slow-just stay in the loop, okay?" Cooper called,

barely pausing for his sister. "Yeah, what do you need?"

"Can you bring Henry back to Grandpa's? I want him to meet someone."

"No way I can drag him out of here right now," Cooper answered, sounding half- defeated, half-amused.