Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Mia stood beneath the porch, watching her precious little boy buzz around the toy car, eyes shining with excitement. "Cooper, are you sure he can even reach the pedals with those tiny legs?"

Cooper rolled his eyes. "Just because you're short and can't drive doesn't mean my nephew takes after you. Listen, my sweet boy not only knows how to drive- he used to tear it up at the go-kart club. Unlike some people, who only use their license to pad their resume."

Mia shot him a playful glare, fist raised in mock protest. But before she could retort, Henry had already clambered into the car and started laying on the horn, filling the yard with happy beeps.noveldrama

She grinned at her ambitious little driver. "So your uncle says you're talented, and you just have to prove it by honking nonstop, huh?"

Henry pouted, then gleefully hammered the horn again, his tiny hands working overtime.

Mia marched over to wrangle her little troublemaker...

Meanwhile, Wayne, cradled in his uncle's arms, twisted his chubby face this way and that, trying to spot where the noise was coming from. His cheeks were rosy and plump, his baby skin so soft you could practically see the squish.

"Ah-" he cooed, his little voice sweet as milk.

When he saw his brother sitting in the car, Wayne wriggled, suddenly desperate to be put down. He landed on his feet, but was too timid to go far. "Mamaaa~" he called, wobbly and uncertain.

Inside, Molly heard him and hurried out, Aimee following close behind with her own son.

As soon as they stepped outside, Cooper noticed another tiny face in the crowd. "Hey now, whose little radish is this?" he joked, eyeing the adorable new kid. Jared, not the least bit shy, stared right back at Cooper with big, curious eyes.

Cooper was impressed. He set his own nephews aside and scooped up Jeffree. "Now this kid's got backbone. Look at those eyes-no fear at all! He's got future CEO vibes."

He glanced up at the baby's mom and grinned. "Pig, I swear, you really do attract your own kind. All your friends are moms now!"

Mia, still catching her breath from chasing Henry, jabbed a finger at her brother. "Don't think I won't smack you, just because we have guests."

Then she waved a hand to introduce him. "That's my brother, Cooper- unfortunately, he's family."

Jeffree, perfectly content in Cooper's arms, didn't so much as whimper. Cooper had gotten plenty of practice with his own little one honestly, he held babies better than most moms. Meanwhile, Henry looked totally absorbed by the little car parked in the yard.

Molly took Wayne by the hand and led him over to the toy car. Wayne, being the shortest, had to stand on tiptoe to peer inside.

Henry looked up at Molly with pleading eyes. "Auntie, the car won't move. What do I do?"

Molly squatted down beside him. "Don't worry, sweet pea. Let Auntie take a look at your ride."

Jade leaned in for a closer inspection. "Hmm... I think the battery's dead."

Mia frowned. "Seriously? I thought this one was gas-powered!"

Aimee joined the huddle, brow furrowed. "Can you even put gas in a kids' car?”

Mia scratched her head. "But I don't see a charging port either..."

Cooper couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, come on, Pig. Maybe it's because I forgot to put the key in?"

Balancing Jared expertly in one arm, he strolled over, popped the key into the ignition, and voilà the car started right up.

The three women exchanged sheepish glances. "Hey, not everyone knows how to drive, okay?"

Molly shrugged. "My car's push-to-start. I haven't touched a car key in ages."

Aimee chimed in, "I didn't even look for a key!"

Just then, Madison poked her head out. "Fruit's ready! Come grab some snacks, everyone!"

Henry, now fully operational,

zoomed around the yard in his car, giggling the whole way. Cooper & dropped into a squat, Jared perched on his left knee, Wayne tucked under his right arm, and stretched out his hand to help guide Henry's little hands on the wheel. The yard was filled with laughter, the kind that always comes with family and a touch of chaos.