Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Mia glanced at her precious little boy. Henry stood there, looking like he'd been caught red-handed-lips pouting, hands behind his back, putting himself in the

corner.

Aimee, still a bit shaken, rushed to hand her son his bottle. "Jared, I'm so sorry, sweetie. Mommy got distracted chatting and forgot all about you."

Jared whimpered for a bit, then curled up in his mother's arms, suddenly done fussing. Mia watched Henry's guilty, puppy-dog face and her heart immediately softened. Without a word of scolding, she scooped him up, kissed his forehead, and said warmly, "You're such a great big brother, Henry. Sharing your treats with your little brothers is so kind. Keep being thoughtful, okay?"

Henry looked up at her with those round, chubby cheeks, eyes wide.

Still hugging him, Mia added, "But, sweetheart, your brothers are still little. There are some things they shouldn't eat yet. Next time you want to share, ask Mommy first, alright?"

"Mommy-" Henry mumbled, snuggling into her.

Mia chuckled, patting his tiny bottom. Molly and Aimee watched in awe. Now this is what good parenting looks like, they thought, trading sheepish glances about their own mom skills.

Then Mia noticed the empty bowl. "Henry, did you finish all the pudding?!"

Henry flashed his sweetest grin. He knew when his mom called him by his full name, he might be in trouble.

Sure enough-Mia gave his bottom a playful swat. "Hey! Why didn't you save me any? You're a big kid, you can't eat it all by yourself!"

Henry just giggled, even more delighted.

A few minutes later, Aimee's husband called again-worry clearly getting the best

of him. Aimee, rolling her eyes, handed the phone straight to her son.

Mia leaned over and whispered, "Why don't we invite that sweet girl over tonight too?"

"Who?" Aimee looked blank.

***noveldrama

At Havenbrook University, Anya's phone buzzed. "Hello? Auntie?"

Instantly, a smile lit up Anya's face. "Of course! Thank you, Aunt Mia, Aunt Aimee

I love you both so much!"

Finally, a night of freedom.

At eight, Mia led the way to a swanky apartment building downtown.

They rode the elevator up, swiped a key card, and stepped out onto a private floor. Molly's eyes went wide. "Whoa, Mia, you own this whole floor?!"

Henry had been here before, back when his mom was apartment hunting. He'd dashed around the place while she toured. When it was time to leave: "Henry? Come on out, buddy!"

The realtor called, "Henry? We're leaving!"

They searched for Henry for over ten minutes. The realtor started to sweat.

"Ma'am, should we call the police? What if he's actually lost?"

Mia, totally calm, said, "No need. He just loves hide and seek. You wait outside—

I'll handle it." She rolled up her sleeves.

The realtor hovered at the door,

phone in hand, torn between panic and embarrassment. Just as he started to dial, Mia came out carrying a teary-eyed Henry slung over her shoulder. His lashes were wet with tears, lips still quivering, his críes turning into a dramatic little whine. "Mommy's being mean, waah..."