Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

At breakfast, he noticed there were a couple of extra bowls on the table. "Who are these for?" he asked, curiosity piqued.

Right then, Henry came barreling into the dining room, shouting, "Grandpa! Nana! I'm here!"

Hansen's face lit up. He turned to the side and clapped his hands together. "My sweet boy's home!"

A moment later, his grown children strolled in. "Hey Dad, long time no see." "Pops, it's so good to see you."

Hansen blinked, glancing at the doorway, then at his two daughters, then back again, still a little dazed. "What, you two dig a tunnel home or something? You just appeared out of nowhere!"

Molly, balancing her sleepy son in one arm and propping her chin up with the other, grinned. "I'm basically a fairy, Dad. One snap and I'm here."

Mia chimed in, “I'm more old-school. Twenty years of practice, and my ninja skills are finally paying off."

Hansen rolled his eyes. "So both of you are just here to mess with me, huh?"

The sisters answered in unison, "Busted!"

Hansen shot each of his daughters a mock glare-he sounded annoyed, but he couldn't hide his smile. Truth was, he'd been missing them lately, and waking up to a full house again made him happier than he'd admit. “Okay, kids in car seats, and everyone, dig in. Veggie pancakes are on the left, meat buns on the right. Mia, carnivore as always, help yourself. Molly, since you're always on your healthy kick, try the veggie ones."noveldrama

After days of snow, the sun was finally out. Some of the snow had started to melt, but after breakfast, the two sisters bundled up the grandparents and the little ones and headed outside for some mischief.

Naomi watched from the window, calling out, "Mia! Don't forget your gloves!"

"Molly, bring Sweetie back inside—he's too little for all that snow!"

Henry was already out there, tiny hands snug in his brand-new mittens that his dad had picked out. He was crouched down, rolling a snowball, and when he thought no one was looking, he sneaked a taste. When he saw his baby brother, he ran over to share his "treat."

Naomi hurried outside to put a stop to the snow-eating before it got out of hand.

That night, when Andre and Chad came home and spotted the two very questionable-looking snowmen by the front door, Andre chuckled, "Please tell me you didn't use my ink pad for snowman lipstick again."

The two of them shared a grin and stepped inside.

The living room was buzzing, everyone gathered close and laughing over who- knows-what. Andre and Chad, both towering over the crowd, wandered over to see what the fuss was about.

Earlier that day, Mia had stumbled on the old tape measure her husband used to use to check her height back when they were dating. "Henry, come here, sweetheart! Mommy's got a fun game!"

Henry heard "fun" and came running, feet pounding, "Mommy!" he called, his voice sweet and excited.

Mia took his little hand and led him to the wall. "Stand up straight, honey. Let's see how tall you are now."

Hansen came over, eager to join. "Think he's hit three feet yet?"

Henry looked up at him, proud. "I'm tall now!"

Mia checked the tape measure. "Hmm, not quite, buddy. You're still hanging out in the two-foot-eight club. Your dad's long legs might take a little longer to kick in."

Henry stared up at the tape, wide-eyed and curious.

Just then, he spotted Andre coming in. Henry wiggled away, ready to greet his dad. "Daddy! Mommy, Daddy's home! Piggyback ride!"

Everyone turned to see the guys come in.

Andre knelt down and took Henry's hand. "Let's see how much you've grown, buddy. Stand up tall for me."

Henry pressed himself against the wall obediently. "Daddy, piggyback ride after?" he asked, hope written all over his face.