Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Andre leaned in the doorway, watching the mayhem in the living room as the little cubs tore around. "Henry, get over here!"

At the sound of his dad's voice, Henry, who'd been sprawled across the coffee table, perked up instantly. "Daddy!" he squealed.

Kids are always happiest when they spot their parents. Henry waved his pudgy little hand, pride glowing on his face as he bolted for Andre.

Andre bent down and scooped up his son's tiny hand in his own. "Wayne, Ash, let's go. Time to head home."

The other two shuffled over to their uncle, a little unsteady on their feet.

Noah picked up one of the kids, Andre lifted the other, and their boys gazed up at them with wide, hopeful eyes. Unable to resist, both men gathered their sons close.

Henry's grin was pure sunshine.

Andre shot a look at the young couple nearby. "Which one of you two gave them the chance to sneak off together?"

Anya shrank back and ducked behind her boyfriend.

Leo scratched his head, flustered. "Uh, that'd be me, I guess."

Andre just shook his head at his nephew, unimpressed. Hugging his son, he announced, "We're outta here."

Henry, still buzzing from the day's excitement, waved his hand like a little king. "Bye, Auntie!"

A few steps later, he turned and shouted, "Bye, big bro! Bye, sweetie!"

Leo saw them off to the elevator. Andre glanced at him once before the doors slid shut.

Back in the apartment, Leo let out a dramatic sigh and sprawled out. "Finally. Peace and quiet."

He gave his girlfriend a look. "Hey, come to the bedroom. We need to talk."

Anya lingered in the dining room. Leo grinned, "Or you wanna hash it out at the table?"

He tugged her gently toward the bedroom. As the door swung shut, his voice drifted out, "So now this is all my fault?"

"Chad! You said we were just gonna talk-what's with the buttons?"

Leo smirked. "You know exactly what I meant by 'talk.""

"Seriously, Chad, I thought you said you were tired... Don't "

He shut her up with a kiss. "No guy's ever too tired for this."

He pressed his lips against hers, laughing softly. "If I'm taking all the blame, you owe me a little something."

Anya tumbled back onto the bed with a half-hearted protest.

***

Molly dropped Mia off at the Cedillo house. "Look, Mia, sisters before misters and all that, but sometimes

Younoveldrama

live to fight another day.

You know?"

Mia rolled her eyes. "You could just say you're ditching me to save your own skin."

"Well... yeah, that about sums it up."

Mia just shook her head.

But as Molly pulled away, Officer Chad's cruiser slid up beside her. "And where do you think you're going?"

"Chad?"

Five minutes later, the sisters trudged back inside side by side.

On the couch, Hansen cracked sunflower seeds, completely entertained by the family circus.

Henry was sniffling in his dad's arms, tears streaming down his face.

He hadn't seen Andre all day, and had missed him so much that he'd smothered him in kisses in the car He thought for sure his dad was head-over-heels for him. But then, as soon as they got home, Andre had disappeared into the study, and when he came out, Henry's little backside was sore.

At least this time, Andre was there to hold him while he cried, even dabbing his nose with a tissue.

The sisters came back in, makeup streaked across their cheeks.

Henry, still crying, reached out for his mom. Wayne, who'd missed his mom just as

much, scurried over with quick little steps to hug her leg.

Chad tried to pull Wayne away, but Wayne clung on tight.

"No! Mommy, hug me!" he wailed, as his dad scolded him again. Mia looked guilty.

From the living room, Hansen's sunflower seed cracking echoed on.

Bruce came home from work, and Hansen, ever the instigator, handed him the bowl. "Come on, Bruce, grab some seeds. Looks like Mia and my darling girl have gotten themselves into trouble again. Must be another round of punishment. Pull up a chair-this is the good part."