Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Cooper lingered by the window, keeping an eye on his nephew's mischievous little moves. He chuckled under his breath, then got back to cleaning. Thankfully, the place was small, so tidying up didn't take forever.

Once everything was spotless, he scooped up his sweetie for a quick bath. Afterward, the two of them-uncle and nephew-headed out to the supermarket, just enjoying the day together.

Henry got the VIP seat in the shopping cart while Cooper tossed in some ready meals and snacks. At the register, he lifted Henry into his arms, and the two of them strolled home, taking their time and soaking up the easygoing vibe.

By now, Henry was a familiar face in the neighborhood. He'd been here enough times that nothing felt new anymore. As they walked back, he wriggled free from Cooper's hand, insisting on running ahead like a big kid.

"Hey, hold up, short stuff! For someone with little legs, you sure can move," Cooper called, catching up and clasping Henry's tiny hand. "Tell you what, since your uncle loves you this much, how about you help me out, huh?”noveldrama

Henry craned his neck, lips pursed, clearly wondering what help someone his size could possibly offer.

Cooper bent down, whispering something secret in his ear.

"Uncle, are you being silly again?" Henry blurted, brows furrowed.

Back at home, Mia was a mess of worry. She couldn't eat, couldn't study-her mind always drifting to her little boy. Every spare minute, she wanted to call him. Meanwhile, halfway around the world, Henry was snuggled up in his uncle's cramped little bed, Cooper's arms wrapped around him. After dinner, Cooper had taken him out to watch people playing frisbee, and Henry was so into it that he didn't want to leave. Eventually, Cooper caved and bought him his own frisbee.

During the day, his uncle showed him all the local sights, let him indulge in tasty treats, and filled his head with fun little secrets.

Back at work, Andre was distracted, barely listening as Noah ribbed him, "So, boss, which troublemaker's missing this time?"

"The little one. He took off with his uncle."

Noah just grinned. "Think Henry's going to stir up any trouble?"

Andre just sighed, lost in thought.

In a cozy studio apartment a continent away, Cooper watched his nephew break down in tears-half upset, half amused, but always、 loving Henry, seriously, how are you so brave? That dog barked at you, and instead of running, you barked right back! Sweetheart, why do you always do these wild things? That was a bullmastiff, you know!"

Henry's sobs turned into coughs, making Cooper's heart ache.

After that little ordeal, Cooper took Henry for a walk around his university campus, hoping a change of scene would help.

He stopped by his professor's office, hoping for some thesis advice, but instead got...

"Oh my goodness, this little one is just adorable! Cooper, can't you both stay a few more days?" the professor exclaimed.

Cooper just smiled, a bit embarrassed.

When the professor heard they'd be leaving the next day, he was genuinely bummed. He spent ten minutes giving Cooper academic pointers, and the next half hour doting on Henry.

To make the visit extra special, the professor even made homemade pizza and invited Henry for lunch.

They showed up empty-handed but left with a little gift. As they were leaving, the professor called out, "Don't forget the toast for the

plane-your cutie will nee

a snack!"

Cooper grinned at his nephew. "Henry, do you think your uncle could get his PhD just by showing off how cute you are?"

Henry chomped on his fingers, still thinking about that delicious pizza—until his

uncle whisked it away, worried about his tummy.

They didn't hang around much longer. After a call in the morning, Cooper packed

up, and by afternoon was hauling Henry off to the airport.

After a long wait and an even longer flight, they finally stepped out into arrivals Mia spotted them from across the crowd and raced over, scooping Henry into a fierce hug. "Henry, did you miss Mommy?"

"Missed you, Mommy! Missed Daddy too!"

Andre took in his healthy, happy son and his brother-in-law, shaking his head with

a smile. "Not bad. Cooper, if you ever have kids, you'll make a great dad."