Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

The chill really had settled in, so Molly and Anya hurried to wrap up their kids, bundling their precious Henries in cozy blankets.

Mia just pulled her shawl tighter and hugged her little boy close, holding him safe and warm.

Not long after, someone got a bonfire going on the beach. The older folks and the women gathered around it, draped in blankets, catching up while the fire popped and crackled.

The flames danced in the night, logs snapping and hissing. Little Henry, wiped out from a day of adventures, drifted off in his mom's arms, snuggled and content.

James was glued to the fire, his tiny fists balled up, itching to get closer, his feet shifting in the sand.

Anya swooped in, scooped up her baby brother, and held his chubby feet out near the fire for a second before pulling them back. James giggled so hard, loving every second of his sister's silly game.

Madison, eyes full of motherly worry, sat down beside Mia. "Mia, let me hold Henry for a while. You should rest."

Naomi joined in, reaching for her own chubby little one, ready to take him from Mia's arms.

But Mia looked down at her sleeping sweetheart, his face so calm it felt like the whole world had gone quiet. She smiled. "It's alright, Mom. He's not sleeping soundly-if we pass him around, he'll wake up and start crying."

Coleen was busy playing with her grandson, booping Wayne's nose. Wayne flashed a huge, toothless grin in response.

Firelight flickered over Hansen's face, making his eyes shine-maybe from the flames, maybe from tears.

He watched his children, all grown up now, each with families of their own. They were adults, yes, but still his kids. The Cedillo family was thriving, the house was full, everyone was here.

That afternoon, seeing everyone with their partners, Hansen couldn't help thinking about his late wife. Almost twenty years apart, and he'd missed her every single day.noveldrama

His eyes blurred with memories, and just then, his littlest grandson toddled over, wrapped his tiny fingers around Grandpa's, and called out in that sweet baby voice, “Grandpa~ Love Grandpa~”

This little one really was a gift from the heavens... at least when he wasn't causing trouble.

A special dinner by the sea, under the big open sky-Molly pulled out her phone. "Alright, everyone! Scoot together, time for a family photo!"

For the first time, Leo realized just how good his aunt was at getting everyone in line.

Henry was still snoozing in his dad's arms while Mia leaned into her husband. Molly set the timer, ran over, and planted a kiss on her husband's cheek. Wayne, wide-eyed and innocent, stared up at his parents, soaking it all in.

Anya's cheeks were stuffed-she'd been sneaking snacks and just got caught. Leo shot her a look full of love...

Right then, the camera caught them all in that perfect, real moment.

The elders laughed, the younger ones did their own thing for the camera.

Whenever old and young come together at the table, the younger ones listen to stories from long before their time, and the older folks marvel at how much the world's changed.

Grandpa Elmer got so carried away he even pulled out stories his own grandfather used to tell.

Mia and Molly dragged Anya into a group selfie, striking goofy poses.

Henry kept snoozing in his dad's arms. Anya, ruler in hand, started measuring cheeks. "Auntie, my little brother's cheeks are even chubbier than Wayne's!"

Wayne, well... Wayne was just Wayne.

And just like that, the three women had a new favorite photo prop.

Ash was passed from one pair of arms to the next, happy as can be, letting anyone hold him. His round, chubby cheeks made the women's faces look even more delicate by comparison.

Halfway through the fun, Henry finally woke up.