Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Cooper looked out over the calm sea, hands braced on his surfboard. With a quick push, he hopped up and settled himself right in the center-steady as ever. He gathered up Henry, his little marshmallow of a nephew, and tucked him onto his lap. "Still scared, buddy?" he asked softly.

Henry, lips pushed out in a determined pout, shook his head-trying his best to look brave. Meanwhile, Andre lingered at the shoreline, eyes glued to his son. He didn't even notice the water lapping at his knees until a wave slapped against him, snapping him from his trance. He stepped back, but couldn't look away from Henry.

At first, Henry had been nervous up on the board, clutching tight. The second go, curiosity won out over fear. By the third, he was bursting with giggles, clapping his tiny hands as he wobbled to his feet. His laughter floated all the way back to shore.

Relief washed over Andre. Standing beneath the hot sun, he let his mood ride the waves with Henry's every shriek and chuckle.

Under the shade of the beach shack, the others caught Henry's laughter too. Coleen Byrne pointed out at the water, smiling. "Would you look at Cooper? He's got a real gift with kids—he's thought of everything for Henry!"

Madison propped herself up, squinting at the waves. "Ever since Cooper got back, he's been making up for lost time. Henry's barely out of diapers, and Cooper's already taken him everywhere-amusement parks, playgrounds, you name it. My boy's whole world is that little marshmallow."

"Henry really hit the jackpot with this family," Mrs. Calder said, hugging her own son a little closer.noveldrama

Naomi jumped in, eager to score some points for her boy. "Just wait till Ash is a bit older-you'll see. Leo's gonna be the one dragging Ash and Wayne out to play every day. Lately, he's even been tucking his little sweetie in at night."

Translation: her son's just as good with kids. Once the younger ones are big enough, Leo will be right there with them.

"See how patient Leo is? He's been out there surfing with Anya all morning," Naomi added, determined to make a good impression and, maybe, lock in a future daughter-in-law.

Everyone glanced toward the sea. Out on the bright blue, Anya had her arms slung around her boyfriend's neck. She'd clearly had enough and was ready to head back, but Chad stubbornly held onto the tow rope, refusing to leave.

She'd given him kisses, let him hug her he still wouldn't budge. "Chad, just carry me back, will you?"

Leo grinned. "Come on, it's been forever since I've held you. Let me keep you just a little longer."

Anya's cheeks flushed pink-nobody could tell if it was the sun or embarrassment. "Chad! You're only being like this because my parents can't see us. You've been hugging and kissing me for ages. If you don't take me back right now, I'll call my dad to come get me!"

A wave splashed over, scattering hair across her face and soaking her back.

Leo just pushed his own wet hair back, his sharp features catching the sunlight. Droplets slid down his neck and shoulders.

The sea kept nudging Anya closer and closer. She stared up at Leo, caught by the way his Adam's apple moved as he swallowed. Leo's dark eyes met hers, hungry, teasing a look that said he'd lost all self-control.

With a little laugh, he scooped her up and dove with her under the waves.