Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"Honey! Why are you feeding me again?" Mia protested, putting on her best pout. She'd finally managed to slim down, and for once, all those gorgeous new dresses actually fit. But now, after this trip and Andre's relentless spoiling, her clothes were starting to feel snug again.

Andre paused mid-conversation, turning to look at her with a patient smile. “Just one last bite, love. Finish this sausage and that's it, I promise. Then we'll head back and get some sleep."

Mia cradled her soft cheeks, thinking about all the stubborn pounds she'd worked so hard to lose-only to eat them all back in one go. "No more," she grumbled.

Andre leaned in, still coaxing. "Come on, sweetheart. Last one, I swear."

But Mia's resolve was set-she covered her mouth with both hands, shaking her head. "Nope, not happening."

In the end, Andre finished off the sausage himself, shaking his head with an amused sigh.

Meanwhile, Mr. Calder went to check on the kids, only to find Anya had already worked her magic. Both children were fast asleep, tucked in tight, while Anya and Henry played quietly in the sand nearby.

By eleven, the bonfire had burned down, and everyone was sleepy and ready to call it a night. People got up, stretching and saying their goodbyes.

Cooper wanted to carry his nephew back, but Henry was only content if his parents were close by. With a helpless shrug, Cooper let it go.

Leo slung his "sweetie” over his shoulder and made his way back to their room.

Before leaving, Leo pulled Anya close, and while no one was watching, he sneaked a quick kiss. The two of them couldn't help but glance over at their tiny, ever-present third wheel.noveldrama

Henry blinked up at them, his eyes big and shining. Leo grinned, "What are you staring at, little dude? You even know what just happened?"

Henry pouted, then hollered, "Brother and sissy-kissy-mmph-”

Leo quickly covered Henry's mouth, laughing. "You're a real piece of work, aren't you?"

Anya giggled at Henry's muffled protest. "Say it again for your sister, baby!"

"Kissy-" Henry sang out once Leo let go.

Anya couldn't stop smiling.

Back at the house, Leo expertly carried his little brother into his own room- because, well, guys just get it. Sometimes you have to help a fellow man out.

Leo whisked the little third wheel away, giving his uncle and aunt a well-deserved night to themselves.

Later, when Cooper got back to his room, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin asked gently, "Cooper, what kind of girls do you like?"

Cooper didn't even look up from his phone. "I like boys," he replied, matter-of-fact.

...

During the holiday, little Henry's baby chub made a comeback.

The island had some hills, not too steep, and the three ladies-having indulged a bit too much-were determined to burn off the extra calories. "Let's hike up and work off this food!" they insisted. The men, powerless against their wives' pleading and puppy-dog eyes, finally caved and agreed.

But after barely ten minutes...

The kids were still going strong, but the three women each grabbed a stick, płopped down on the steps, and started gasping for breath. "Nope, I'm out. Let's go back Molly waved her hand, defeated

Officer Chad, ever the troublemaker, grinned, "Come on, we're only five minutes from the top. We've done two-thirds already. Don't you want to see the view?"

Leo watched his uncle-in-law with real respect for his shamelessness.

Molly, always the first to take the bait, squared her shoulders. "Alright, fine, let's do this."

Mia, the brains of the group, shot her a look. "Molly, honestly-how much do you trust Chad's sense of direction?"

Andre, carrying Henry, nudged Mia. "Even Henry isn't tired yet. Are you really giving up already? Lost your edge?"

Just like that, Mia perked up, thinking of her favorite drama, The Silent Ring. "No way, let's keep going!"

That left only Anya, absent-mindedly

poking at the ground with her stick. Leo leaned down, a smile in his voice "Come on, sweetheart. The others are going for it-you don't want to miss out, right?"

And with that, the whole motley crew trudged on, laughter echoing up the hillside.