Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Early morning at Maplewood Estates.

Andre was in the living room, cradling his warmly bundled-up son, waiting for his lively, energetic wife to join them. Little Henry, sporting a bright yellow cap, glanced over at his mom, busy with last-minute preparations, wondering what she was up to. "Diapers, thermos, wet wipes, immunization record..." Mia was on the couch, ticking items off her checklist to make sure nothing was forgotten.

Henry, meanwhile, was contentedly gnawing on his hand, waiting for the day's adventure to begin.

Once Mia was satisfied everything was in order, she stood up, handed the shoulder bag to Andre, and scooped up their chubby little boy. "All set, let's hit the road."

At the hospital, Molly and Chad were already preparing for their check-up. Molly was anxious that Chad might get called away suddenly, so she insisted on getting there early to wrap things up quickly. Even having her husband accompany her was a big deal, as Jade had to forgo her morning sleep-in to make it happen.

Her anxiety propelled her to speed through the process.

At the hospital, Mia let Henry toddle a bit, but soon he was clinging to her leg, demanding to be held. Andre obliged, picking up his son again for his one-year check-up.

During Henry's vaccinations, the room was filled with family. Anya wanted to be there too, but with her own obligations, she had to settle for watching the video of it all.

Henry's cries echoed in the room as he received his shots, his face turning a frustrated red, especially after the second, more painful jab. Mia couldn't help but chuckle at the scene.

Andre walked around, trying to comfort Henry, then set him down. Henry, teary-eyed, looked up at his dad with a silent accusation for not being comforted immediately after the shots. Andre quickly picked him up again, soothing his little bundle of emotions.

In the video, Chad's teasing voice could be heard, "Just like his aunt, always a drama queen. Molly used to demand cuddles even for medicine."

Molly, not one to take it lying down, said, "Did I ever ask you to hold me?"

Chad laughed, "When didn't you? If I didn't, you'd tug my arm to pull me close."

Molly insisted, "No way, you've got it wrong."

Andre chimed in, "Remember when you were three? Even for cold medicine, we had to cool it down for you." Leo and Molly had both been under the weather; Leo would down his medicine without fuss, but Molly needed spoon-feeding, whining, "Daddy, mommy, brother, blow on it for Molly."

Molly, usually quick with a comeback, was left sputtering, "You're just taking advantage of my lack of memory to tease me."

Mia, watching her best friend, was about to jump in when Molly quickly pointed at her, "Don't start anything! Remember what happened last time?"

Mia, aware of the secrets they both held about each other, extended a hand, "Truce?"

Molly shook it, "Truce."

Andre and Chad exchanged glances, their smiles fading as they plotted how to tease their wives next.

Leo, meanwhile, had been out buying gifts, expressing his care in thoughtful gestures. Back when he was still on good terms with his uncle, he would visit the Calder family armed with gifts prepared by the Cedillo family and many more he'd personally chosen, showcasing his sincerity.

Even after leaving the Cedillo family, he'd continue the tradition whenever visiting the Calders, proving just how much he cherished his girlfriend. Mr. Calder wouldn't have approved of him otherwise.

After his shopping spree, Leo caught the video of Henry's vaccination ordeal as he arrived home.

Each time Chad's phone rang,

Molly's smile would freeze, her eyes darting to him with the fear he might have to leave again. Chad reassured her, It's just our mom calling."

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Coleen was checking in on how things were going, and Chad filled her in while standing nearby.

Shortly after, Hansen called too, both showing concern for the sometimes difficult but deeply loved Jade.

With the day's trials behind them, Andre left with Mia and Henry. On the drive, Mia cradled her chubby bundle, "Where to, love?"

Henry, hearing "love" so often, turned to Andre, assuming it was his dad's name.

Andre grinned, "Your call. I've got the whole day reserved just for you two."

Mia settled Henry in her lap, his tiny feet pressing against her legs, "Let's hit the mall. Our little guy's snack stash is running low." Andre drove them to their favorite spot.

At the mall, Henry's soft, pale face rested on his dad's shoulder, taking in the sights. His mom was right behind him.

Henry, looking back at Mia, gave a goofy grin, infectious enough to make everyone around him smile, too.

In the elevator, Mia playfully covered

Henry's eyes and pulled back,NôvelDrama.Org (C) content.

making him giggle with delight his laughter rolling from one bout to the next without pause.

"Should mommy give you a tickle?"

"Uh-huh." Henry's little fist playfully clenched.

They arrived at Mia's go-to baby store, still entertaining Henry with his adorable antics and sweet giggles.

Inside, a sales associate followed

with a basket, talking Mia through the toddler snacks and their nutritional perks. Henry, in Andre's arms, reached for everything but grasped nothing.

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When they got to the checkout, Andre added a few more packs of snacks Mia had picked earlier.

"Why so many?" Mia asked, puzzled.

Andre chuckled, gently tapping her nose, "Stocking up for our little snack thief."

Henry watched his mom curiously, while the cashier and sales associate stifled their smiles, trying not to laugh at Mia's playful embarrassment.

As they left, Mia's mock scolding could be heard, "You've embarrassed me, love! Now everyone knows I sneak our son's snacks!"

Andre's soft laughter trailed behind them as Mia blushed and sulked, ignoring him.

Henry munched on his newly opened snack, enjoying the playful banter between his parents, finally getting to witness the fun while savoring his treat. After her check-up, Molly headed to work, and Chad returned to his team.

Anya, having packed her bags in the morning, used her ride with Leo to sneak her summer clothes and shoes into his car's trunk.