Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Chad left the detective bureau, his belly leading the way, as he waved goodbye to his colleagues and headed out.

On their way home, Molly was adamant about driving, playfully wrestling with Chad for the car keys right there on the doorstep.

"It's rush hour, and the roads are packed. I drive faster," Chad reasoned.

"Am I picking you up from work or just delivering your car?" Molly shot back with a grin.

When she picked him up, she was the driver. When delivering the car, it was his turn. Two different things.

"Chad, don't push my buttons," Molly teased, pointing at her belly.

Chad glanced at her bump, grinning as he handed over the keys and opened the door for her. "Hop in."

Molly slid into the driver's seat with a satisfied smile.

Chad settled into the passenger seat.

As they pulled away, they spotted Conner's car at the entrance. Annie stepped out of the passenger side, and Conner followed, trying to talk things over. Molly, curious as ever, lightly pressed the gas and turned her head to catch a glimpse of the drama. Officer Chad took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. One hand rested at the bottom of the steering wheel, subtly guiding his wife.

"Chad, look, they seem to be having a spat," Molly pointed out, one hand on the wheel and the other gesturing outside as she glanced at her husband.

Chad's eyes were fixed on the road, his hand gently correcting the steering.

Molly noticed his large hand on the wheel, straightened up, and placed both hands firmly on her own steering wheel, eyes now glued ahead.

Sure enough, they hit rush hour traffic, crawling along at a snail's pace.

"What's the deal with Mr. Money you mentioned earlier?" Chad asked.

Molly, still fired up, relayed everything she heard from Anya that day.

Chad raised an eyebrow, "Mia didn't get into a fight this time? And you didn't bite someone's head off?"

"Oh, I did. But Mia was holding Henry, so she couldn't move much. Her son's a handful, you know. Needs both hands to manage him," Molly continued her venting. "And Andre yelled at me today! Are you gonna stand up for me?" "What did Andre yell about?"

"I was driving with one hand, and he told me to use both," Molly said with a sigh. Officer Chad just shook his head. "..." Some battles just aren't worth fighting.

The car crawled forward, streetlights flickering on, casting a warm glow inside.

She started talking about Leo, sharing updates about her best friend's studies, "Mia's under pressure; she's a bit snappy and swears she can't get the exam stuff down. I heard Andre bought her loads of walnuts. He peels them for her every day while she studies." Though Henry always tries to snag them. Later, his dad handed him some unopened shells as a distraction, and since his baby teeth couldn't crack them, he finally stopped pestering his mom for walnuts.

Chad, resting his elbow against the window, smiled gently, reminding his wife, "Ease up a bit, keep some distance from the car in front."

The couple chatted about home life too, "Chad, I've got a prenatal checkup this week, you..."

"Already took the time off," Chad replied.

Molly nodded happily, "Henry's got his vaccinations this week too. We didn't get around to it last week. This week, with my checkup and his shots, Mia's really looking forward to it."

Chad glanced at her belly with a smile, "I can't wait to see 'him' cry when it's time for his shots."

Mia had already finished dinner at Maplewood Estates and was munching on walnuts, while her best friend hadn't made it home yet.

Later, because Molly's car kept getting cut off by other cars and her driving skills weren't quite there, she threw in the towel. "Chad, you take over."

In the traffic jam, they switched places, Chad expertly maneuvering with one hand, the other holding Molly's.

Finally, the road cleared after half an hour, and Chad hit the gas, racing home.

Meanwhile, Anya was at Leo's, dealing with her "punishment." She pouted as she entered the elevator to leave.

"Chad, I'm skipping our weekend visit," Anya announced.

Leo teased, "A few kisses and now you're sulking? This isn't like earlier in the year when you complained I didn't kiss you enough."

"No, no." Anya quickly clarified, "I want to visit my folks. I miss them. I'll head straight to the airport after school on Friday and be back by Sunday." Leo smirked, "Is that really necessary?"

He draped an arm around Anya as they headed to the underground parking. "Pack your bags on Friday, and I'll drive you."

"I knew you'd go, Chad. Gas isn't

free, you know? And tolls aren't

cheap. Plus, every time you visit my

parents, you buy loads of expensive gifts. Stop spending so recklessly."

Leo chuckled at her innocence,

"You've earned me so much; this is nothing. Ms. Anya, you can't always put the other person first in a relationship; think about yourself too"

en

"But Chad, even before we were a thing, you always put me first," Anya whispered.

Leo found the car and started it, "When did I ever put you first?"

Anya stood by the car, "You compromised with my uncle and gave up your dream because of me."

Leo turned back to her, "Silly, hop in. Let's get you home."

On their way back, they passed by a street full of food stalls.

Heading home, Anya carried a box of grilled noodles and spicy beef tripe, "Grandpa, don't brush your teeth just yet; I've got something delicious!"

Hansen, in his pajamas, came down the stairs with a grin, "I can always brush again after I eat, no biggie."

Seeing the two takeout boxes, the old man chuckled warmly, "Anya, you're the most considerate kid in the family."

Naomi walked out from her yoga session, sipping water with a smile as she watched the family's elder and child Sometimes she wanted to indulge too, but she needed to keep her figure in check, thinking about the elegance she wished for in her later years.

Bruce admired his wife's figure, "Just like when I first met you."

Naomi playfully rolled her eyes at him. "Henry's been gone for a few days, and I miss him."

Bruce sighed, "Naomi, let's go to Maplewood Estates tomorrow and bring Mia back. If not, we'll bring Henry home."

Their go-to babysitter, Cooper, had gone back to school, but not before giving his nephew lots of hugs, leaving reluctantly.

Mia watched the bond between uncle and nephew, "Cooper, Henry's just too little. If he were a bit older, I'd pack him up and send him to you."

After Cooper left, Henry was under the care of his grandparents, which made his great-uncle and great-aunt dream of him constantly.

On Friday,

Leo called his mom first thing, "Mom, what should I buy for my visit to Ms. Anya's parents?"novelbin

Naomi replied, "You're about to squeeze every idea out of your poor mother's brain."